Salary & Cost of Living in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville, VA: $60,000 median salary, cost of living index 108, $12.41/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$60,000
$29/hr
Cost of Living
108
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$12.41
per hour
Unemployment
2.5%
rate
Charlottesville, VA Overview
Population
46,553
Median Salary
$60,000
Average Salary
$67,000
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$370,000
Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Job Growth
+2%
Sales Tax
5.3%
Charlottesville is located in Virginia with a population of 46,553. The median household salary is $60,000 per year ($29/hour), which is $616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2%.
Charlottesville Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Charlottesville, VA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$46,799
$3,899.88/month · $1,799.94/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.0%
Gross Pay
$60,000
Federal Tax
-$5,162
State Tax
-$3,450
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,590
Net Pay
$46,799
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,000.00 | $60,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$430.13 | -$5,161.50 |
| Virginia State Tax (5.75%) | -$287.50 | -$3,450.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$310.00 | -$3,720.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$72.50 | -$870.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,899.88 | $46,798.50 |
Salary Comparison: Charlottesville vs Other Cities
See how Charlottesville's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA | $60,000 | 108 | $55,556 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Tampa, FL | $60,000 | 102 | $58,824 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $60,000 | 93 | $64,516 |
| Joliet, IL | $60,000 | 90 | $66,667 |
| Kansas City, MO | $60,000 | 90 | $66,667 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Charlottesville
Charlottesville's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100). Living in Charlottesville is 8% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$370,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,400
Annual Rent Cost
$16,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $46,799 annual take-home pay in Charlottesville has the purchasing power of approximately $43,332 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $64,800 in Charlottesville to match a $60,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Charlottesville
Charlottesville's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $60,000.
Salary Tips for Charlottesville Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.75% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Charlottesville's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $60,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Charlottesville, VA?
The median salary in Charlottesville, VA is $60,000 per year, or $29 per hour. The average salary is $67,000. This is $616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Charlottesville, VA?
Charlottesville's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100), meaning it is 8% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $370,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,400.
What are the best industries in Charlottesville?
The top industries in Charlottesville, VA include Education, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 2% and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $60,000.
How does Charlottesville's salary compare to other cities?
Charlottesville's median salary of $60,000 is 1.0% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 108), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,556.
What is the minimum wage in Charlottesville, VA?
The minimum wage in Charlottesville, VA is $12.41 per hour. This equals approximately $25,813 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $5.16 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.