Damascus, 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

Damascus, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Damascus, VA offers a unique blend of small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax5.3%
COL Index94 (-6% below national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Damascus
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Damascus
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Damascus
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Damascus?

Moving to Damascus? 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

American Electric Power (AEP)
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$40/mo

Town of Damascus Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Town of Damascus Public Works
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate0.85%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Damascus is relatively affordable, with a range of options from cozy cabins to larger homes. However, the town’s small size means that inventory can be limited. Rentals are also available, but may be scarce during peak season.

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

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax5.3%
Property Tax Rate0.85%
<p>State 4.3% + County 0% + City 1%</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

70

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/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 retail
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, environmental protection, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Damascus has limited public transportation options, but its compact downtown area is easily walkable and stroller-friendly

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Appalachian Trail
  • 🎯
    Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
  • 🎯
    Grayson Highlands State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a charming and family-friendly atmosphere, with easy access to parks, trails, and local amenities. The nearby communities of Abingdon and Bristol also offer a range of housing options and amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

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

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Damascus has regulations in place to protect its natural environment and historic character, including zoning ordinances and building codes

Damascus is experiencing growth in its tourism industry, driven by its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and other outdoor recreation opportunities. However, this growth also brings challenges, such as managing the impact of visitors on the town's infrastructure and 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.

📊 Damascus — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Damascus can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the summer due to air conditioning usage and higher propane costs in the winter for heating. However, the town's mild climate means that these fluctuations are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The 24236 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 0.85, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, easy access to parks and trails, and a compact downtown area, but limited elevator access in some older buildings

🏠 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.