Cost of Living in Roanoke, VA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $838 (excluding rent), and $1,900 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,473 (excluding rent), and $3,684 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.93 $19.93

$13.95 $13.95

$44.83 $44.83

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$71.6 $71.6

$59.3 $59.3

$148 $148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.87 $10.87

$8.89 $8.89

$14.82 $14.82

Cappuccino

$5.17 $5.17

$3.05 $3.05

$8.14 $8.14

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.15 $2.15

$1.77 $1.77

$2.46 $2.46

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.24 $1.24

$2.48 $2.48

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.64 $3.64

$2.43 $2.43

$6.79 $6.79

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.06 $4.06

$9.13 $9.13

Milk (1 liter)

$0.91 $0.91

$0.73 $0.73

$1.02 $1.02

White Bread (500g)

$3.06 $3.06

$2.4 $2.4

$6.23 $6.23

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.73 $3.73

$1.95 $1.95

$9.98 $9.98

Eggs

$2.83 $2.83

$1.77 $1.77

$9.37 $9.37

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.33 $9.33

$8.26 $8.26

$11.23 $11.23

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.52 $7.52

$6.02 $6.02

$17.91 $17.91

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.33 $15.33

$8.89 $8.89

$21.31 $21.31

Apples (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.25 $2.25

$6.75 $6.75

Banana (1kg)

$1.18 $1.18

$1.06 $1.06

$4.29 $4.29

Oranges (1kg)

$3.19 $3.19

$2.15 $2.15

$15.22 $15.22

Tomato (1kg)

$4.3 $4.3

$3.8 $3.8

$7.51 $7.51

Potato (1kg)

$2.07 $2.07

$1.01 $1.01

$3.56 $3.56

Onion (1kg)

$2.75 $2.75

$1.01 $1.01

$3.76 $3.76

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.63 $1.63

$0.98 $0.98

$2.95 $2.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.89 $1.89

$1.31 $1.31

$4.05 $4.05

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$8.86 $8.86

$6.58 $6.58

$9.84 $9.84

Wine (Bottle)

$10.84 $10.84

$9.85 $9.85

$19.7 $19.7

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$0.92 $0.92

$4.19 $4.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.3 $1.3

$1.18 $1.18

$5.4 $5.4

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.36 $1.36

$0.99 $0.99

$1.73 $1.73

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$85.3 $85.3

$56.9 $56.9

$114 $114

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.47 $2.47

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.59 $1.59

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$22.62 $22.62

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.8 $0.8

$0.74 $0.74

$0.92 $0.92

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$22.8K $22.8K

$30.7K $30.7K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.4K $24.4K

$27.6K $27.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$162 $162

$101 $101

$278 $278

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$54.3 $54.3

$40.66 $40.66

$101 $101

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$63.4 $63.4

$50.1 $50.1

$120 $120

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$16.5 $16.5

$12.07 $12.07

$70.4 $70.4

Cinema Ticket

$12.08 $12.08

$9.06 $9.06

$15.1 $15.1

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$393 $393

$1,639 $1,639

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$30.4K $30.4K

$26.7K $26.7K

$31.4K $31.4K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$28.24 $28.24

$19.93 $19.93

$74.8 $74.8

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$22.3 $22.3

$11.98 $11.98

$120 $120

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.9 $76.9

$34.44 $34.44

$118 $118

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$103 $103

$65.6 $65.6

$252 $252

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,400 $1,400

$1,140 $1,140

$1,933 $1,933

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$779 $779

$647 $647

$896 $896

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,051 $2,051

$1,412 $1,412

$3,026 $3,026

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,195 $1,195

$737 $737

$1,571 $1,571

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,973 $1,973

$1,966 $1,966

$1,976 $1,976

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,990 $1,990

$1,983 $1,983

$1,993 $1,993

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,258 $3,258

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.52

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Roanoke, VA - Frequently Asked Questions

Roanoke tends to offer a balanced value for a midsize American city, especially if you prioritize quality of life over flashy nightlife. You’ll likely find reasonable rents in older or walkable neighborhoods and a broad range of dining and grocery options to fit different budgets. Compared with larger coastal cities and tech hubs, you may notice lower living costs in everyday essentials and shorter transit times. Consider the Cost of Living in Roanoke, VA, United States when planning your stay. This pace supports long stays or seasonal scouting without forcing compromises on nature or accessibility. Tip: map your priorities – parking, broadband, and outdoor access – and compare those across neighborhoods.

Daily life centers on easy access and a comfortable pace. You can choose from downtown apartments to quieter houses for more space, with options to fit different budgets and commuting preferences. Groceries and casual meals cover a wide range of price points, from farmers markets to neighborhood eateries. Getting around is straightforward: sidewalks and bike lanes support short trips, while car use remains common for longer runs or weekend getaways. If you work remotely, you’ll find approachable coworking spaces and cafés with reliable Wi‑Fi. Roanoke, VA, United States living cost can vary by area, so sample a couple of neighborhoods before you settle. Tip: plan your errands around markets or peak transit times.

Quality of life in Roanoke shines when you plan a simple budget anchored in housing, transit, and recurring expenses. Start with a flexible housing plan – short-term sublets or month-to-month leases give you time to test neighborhoods like the riverfront or North Roanoke. For food, mix indoor cooking with occasional dining out, and shop at farmers markets for fresh, seasonal options. Seasonality matters: summers are warm and humid, winters are mild, so plan wardrobe and energy use accordingly. For neighborhoods, look for proximity to outdoor recreation, access to groceries, and transit routes. Tip: use a three-tier budget (needs, wants, buffer) and revisit quarterly as you sample areas.