Cardinal, VA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Cardinal, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Cardinal, VA offers a unique blend of rural charm and access to outdoor recreation, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Cardinal
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Cardinal
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cardinal
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Cardinal?

Moving to Cardinal? 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

$130/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Mathews County Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Mathews County Waste Management
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead $280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Cardinal is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to new constructions. However, the market can be competitive, and prices may vary depending on location and amenities. Rentals are also available, but may be limited in terms of availability and affordability.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

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

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

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 including tourism, healthcare, and small business
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, and environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit options are limited, but the area is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Mathews County Park
  • 🎯
    New Point Comfort Lighthouse
  • 🎯
    Mobjack Bay

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the town center is popular for families, with its walkable streets and access to local amenities. The nearby neighborhoods of Mathews and Gwynn also offer a range of housing options and community activities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Zoning laws and building permits are required for new constructions and renovations, and there may be restrictions on certain types of businesses or activities

The current financial trends in Cardinal are driven by a growing tourism industry, with many visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, this growth also poses challenges for local infrastructure and affordability.

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.

📊 Cardinal — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Cardinal tend to be higher in the summer months due to air conditioning usage, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% from June to August. In contrast, winter months see lower utility bills, with average costs decreasing by 10-20% from December to February.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 23025 has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: Cardinal has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the area is not highly stroller-friendly due to limited public transit options and some uneven terrain

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.