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Roanoke, VA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$270/mo

1BR Rent$900/mo

Sales Tax5.3%

COL Index94 (-6% below national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$230,000

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🌤️ Live Weather — Roanoke

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Roanoke

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Appalachian Power

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Roanoke Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

City of Roanoke Solid Waste Management

📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$270/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$900/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1100/mo
3 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
Median Home Price	$230,000
Property Tax Rate	0.93%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The Roanoke housing market is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The city has seen some growth in recent years, but housing prices remain lower than in many other parts of the country. Neighborhoods like Downtown Roanoke and Grandin Village offer a range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

-6% below national average

Groceries

Transportation

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	5.3%
Property Tax Rate	0.93%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 1%</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Economic development, education, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

The Roanoke Transit system is relatively accessible, with some bus routes and a downtown transit center, but could be improved with more frequent service and better sidewalk infrastructure

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Mill Mountain Zoo
🎯
Roanoke Pinball Museum
🎯
Science Museum of Western Virginia

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Roanoke include Downtown Roanoke, Grandin Village, and South Roanoke, which offer a range of housing options, parks, and community amenities. These neighborhoods are also close to schools, shopping, and entertainment options

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

The City of Roanoke has regulations in place regarding zoning, building codes, and environmental protection

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Roanoke — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Roanoke tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electric bills increasing by 10-20% during the summer months. In the winter, heating costs are relatively low due to the mild climate, with average gas bills remaining relatively stable

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The City of Roanoke has a property tax rate of 0.93%, with some ZIP codes having additional local surtaxes, such as the Downtown Roanoke ZIP code 24011, which has a 0.1% additional tax

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Roanoke has some sidewalks and parks that are stroller-friendly, but could improve with more frequent transit service and better elevator access in some buildings

📍 Roanoke City Stories

Aug 25, 2026