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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,182 (excluding rent), and $2,652 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,095 (excluding rent), and $5,399 including rent.
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๐Ÿฝ Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$17.57 $17.57
$10.04 $10.04
$45.19 $45.19
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$120 $120
$74.2 $74.2
$200 $200
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.22 $12.22
$10.19 $10.19
$20.37 $20.37
Cappuccino
$5.62 $5.62
$4.09 $4.09
$8.17 $8.17
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.07 $3.07
$2.01 $2.01
$4.02 $4.02
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.52 $2.52
$2.02 $2.02
$5.04 $5.04
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$6.82 $6.82
$5.85 $5.85
$11.7 $11.7
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.93 $9.93
$7.94 $7.94
$14.9 $14.9
๐Ÿ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.19 $1.19
$0.7 $0.7
$2.06 $2.06
White Bread (500g)
$2.94 $2.94
$1.61 $1.61
$6.47 $6.47
Rice (white) (1kg)
$6.91 $6.91
$2.6 $2.6
$10.95 $10.95
Eggs
$4.29 $4.29
$2.27 $2.27
$6.92 $6.92
Local Cheese (1kg)
$17.8 $17.8
$8.45 $8.45
$26.74 $26.74
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.22 $11.22
$7.83 $7.83
$20.2 $20.2
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$19.41 $19.41
$13.16 $13.16
$32.89 $32.89
Apples (1kg)
$6.1 $6.1
$3.02 $3.02
$8.7 $8.7
Banana (1kg)
$2.07 $2.07
$1.09 $1.09
$6.65 $6.65
Oranges (1kg)
$5.15 $5.15
$2.18 $2.18
$8.74 $8.74
Tomato (1kg)
$6.57 $6.57
$2.88 $2.88
$11.17 $11.17
Potato (1kg)
$3.56 $3.56
$1.68 $1.68
$8.91 $8.91
Onion (1kg)
$3.81 $3.81
$2.03 $2.03
$6.67 $6.67
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.7 $2.7
$2.05 $2.05
$4.11 $4.11
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.49 $2.49
$1.99 $1.99
$3.67 $3.67
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$12.66 $12.66
$10.12 $10.12
$20.25 $20.25
Wine (Bottle)
$16.15 $16.15
$12.11 $12.11
$25.24 $25.24
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.88 $2.88
$1.74 $1.74
$4.31 $4.31
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.63 $4.63
$2.42 $2.42
$10.1 $10.1
๐ŸšŒ Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.94 $1.94
$1.21 $1.21
$1.94 $1.94
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.11 $4.11
$3.08 $3.08
$5.13 $5.13
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.54 $1.54
$1.54 $1.54
$1.54 $1.54
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$30.02 $30.02
$30.02 $30.02
$60 $60
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.94 $0.94
$0.8 $0.8
$1.08 $1.08
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$30K $30K
$25K $25K
$35.7K $35.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.2K $26.2K
$25.3K $25.3K
$40.6K $40.6K
๐Ÿงพ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$136 $136
$136 $136
$306 $306
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$60.7 $60.7
$30.53 $30.53
$122 $122
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$68 $68
$39.93 $39.93
$94.8 $94.8
๐ŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41 $41
$16.69 $16.69
$47.68 $47.68
Cinema Ticket
$17.07 $17.07
$15.06 $15.06
$25.1 $25.1
๐Ÿงธ Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$2,694 $2,694
$2,006 $2,006
$4,012 $4,012
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$40.8K $40.8K
$30.5K $30.5K
$48.7K $48.7K
๐Ÿ‘•๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$80.9 $80.9
$45.72 $45.72
$112 $112
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$49.65 $49.65
$28.67 $28.67
$74.1 $74.1
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$101 $101
$59.3 $59.3
$138 $138
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$144 $144
$80.1 $80.1
$200 $200
๐Ÿ  Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,592 $1,592
$1,192 $1,192
$1,845 $1,845
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,370 $1,370
$1,013 $1,013
$1,519 $1,519
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,621 $2,621
$1,993 $1,993
$2,989 $2,989
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,229 $2,229
$1,705 $1,705
$2,507 $2,507
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,391 $2,391
$1,708 $1,708
$2,391 $2,391
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,462 $2,462
$1,904 $1,904
$2,462 $2,462
๐Ÿ’ต Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6
6
7
Citycost data is based on AI and user input โ€“ minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Stafford, VA - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Stafford compare for overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Stafford tends to offer a practical balance between value and access for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Youโ€™ll likely find housing options that feel comfortable without the price tag of larger metro areas, plus reliable groceries, services, and healthcare nearby. The Cost of Living in Stafford, VA, United States sits mid-range within the broader DC corridor, giving you budget predictability without isolation. If youโ€™re planning occasional trips to Washington, youโ€™ll appreciate the shorter drives and still-sensible daily costs when you shop and eat locally. Tip: Build a monthly plan that prioritizes weekly markets, seasonal cooking, and a flexible coworking setup to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Stafford in terms of housing, food options, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Stafford blends suburban calm with practical access. Housing options range from quiet neighborhoods to newer developments within easy drive to commuter routes, so you can choose space vs. proximity to the areaโ€™s amenities. Groceries, dining, and casual services offer reliable choices, including farmers markets and chain stores. For transport, a car makes daily errands straightforward, while local routes connect to the wider DC metro area for weekend exploration. Work-friendly cafes and coworking spaces exist in town and nearby towns. Stafford, VA, United States living cost is typically favorable for longer stays when you choose sensible neighborhoods and seasonal trips to nearby attractions. Tip: ...
What budgeting frameworks and neighborhood choices help maintain quality of life in Stafford, and how should you plan for seasonality?
Budgeting wise, adopt a simple framework: track essentials, set a flexible food budget, and plan trips to nearby cities. Seasonal travel can help you take advantage of lower demand in shoulder months. Neighborhood fit comes from proximity to commuter routes, parks, and cafes; consider areas with shorter rides to your preferred remote-work spots. Utilities can swing with air conditioning in summer and heating in winter, so prepare for seasonal shifts by choosing energy-efficient options and renting with included utilities if possible. Tip: Build a flexible month by month plan that prioritizes core expenses, discounts for longer stays, and a trial block in a few neighborhoods before committing.
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