Luray, VA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Luray, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Luray, VA offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River nearby.

Last updated: September 5, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Luray
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Luray
Loading weather...
Luray's economy is driven by tourism, with a growing number of visitors drawn to its natural attractions and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is also home to a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Luray
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Luray?

Moving to Luray? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Town of Luray Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Town of Luray Public Works
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1300/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Luray is relatively affordable, with a mix of older homes and new constructions. Rentals are available, but may be limited. The town has a strong sense of community, with many residents owning their homes.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

94

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 4.3% + County 1%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, infrastructure, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Luray has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and crosswalks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Luray Caverns
  • 🎯
    Shenandoah National Park
  • 🎯
    Hawksbill Greenway Trail

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming, small-town feel, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Hawksbill area is also popular for its natural beauty and proximity to the national park.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Luray based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Luray has zoning ordinances and building codes in place to preserve the town’s historic character and natural environment.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Luray — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Luray tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% during the peak summer months. In the winter, heating costs are relatively low due to the town's mild climate.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The 22835 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with explanation: Luray has some sidewalks and crosswalks, but the town's hilly terrain and limited public transportation can make it challenging for stroller use, although the downtown area is relatively flat and accessible

📰 Latest VA Stories
Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population of roughly 8.6 million residents, Virginia stands as a state of stark contrasts: where the...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 26, 2026

With a population of over 8.6 million and a median age of 38.7, Virginia occupies a unique middle...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Virginia has steadily grown into one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mid-Atlantic, drawing a mix of...

Read more →
Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Virginia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Finding the right place to call home is an exercise in balancing lifestyle with logistics. For those considering...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.