What Is A Good Salary in Charlottesville, VA?

What Constitutes a Good Salary in Charlottesville, VA in 2025?

As Toby Beavers, a seasoned Charlottesville real estate agent with 22 years of experience and one of the savviest realtors in the area, I’ve guided countless clients through the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Charlottesville, Virginia, since 2003. With over 100 homes sold and exclusively five-star reviews on platforms like Zillow, my deep understanding of the local market, cost of living, and lifestyle needs informs every transaction. A question I often hear from clients relocating to or settling in Charlottesville is, “What’s a good salary to live comfortably here?” This article will explore what constitutes a good salary in Charlottesville, VA, in 2025, considering housing, cost of living, lifestyle, employment trends, and family dynamics. Drawing on my expertise, recent data, and real-world examples from my real estate practice, I’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine the income needed to thrive in this charming city.

Understanding Charlottesville’s Cost of Living

Charlottesville, nestled in the heart of Central Virginia, is renowned for its historic charm, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the University of Virginia (UVA). However, its cost of living is slightly above the national average, which significantly influences what qualifies as a good salary. According to PayScale, as of April 2025, Charlottesville’s cost of living is 3% higher than the national average, with housing expenses 11% above average, utilities 5% higher, and transportation 7% lower. The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) ranks Charlottesville’s cost of living index at 102% of the national average, making it an average U.S. city in terms of expenses.

Housing is the largest driver of costs in Charlottesville. The median home price in Albemarle County, which includes Charlottesville, was $541,058 in Q1 2025, per the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR), while the median condo price in the city was $475,000. For renters, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in 2025 is approximately $1,600/month, with two-bedroom units averaging $2,000/month, per Zillow. These figures align with my experience selling properties like a 2-bedroom condo in Claremont Carriage Hill for $280,000 in 2024, which rented for $1,800/month, or a 4-bedroom home in Cory Farms, Crozet, for $695,000, leased at $3,000/month.

Other key expenses include:
– Groceries: 1% below the national average, with a weekly grocery bill for a family of four around $150, per PayScale.
– Healthcare: 1% below national average, with an average doctor’s visit costing $120.
– Utilities: $200–$250/month for a 2,000-square-foot home, 5% above average.
– Transportation: Gas prices are 7% below average at $3.20/gallon, and public transit (UVA bus or free trolley) is affordable but limited, necessitating a car for most residents.

A good salary must cover these costs while allowing for savings, discretionary spending, and a comfortable lifestyle. The 50-30-20 budgeting rule – 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings/debt repayment – is a useful framework, as is the 28% rule for housing (mortgage or rent should not exceed 28% of gross income).

Defining a Good Charlottesville Salary: Key Factors

A “good salary” in Charlottesville varies based on household composition, lifestyle expectations, and career stage. Below, I outline benchmarks for different scenarios, using 2025 data and my real estate insights.

Single Professionals
For a single professional renting a one-bedroom apartment ($1,600/month), a good salary ensures housing costs stay within 28% of gross income. This requires a monthly gross income of $5,714, or $68,568 annually. ZipRecruiter reports the average salary in Charlottesville as $57,073 ($27.44/hour) in March 2025, with the 75th percentile at $71,898. A salary of $70,000–$80,000 allows for:
– Rent: $1,600 (28% of $68,568)
– Utilities and Internet: $250
– Groceries: $400
– Transportation: $300 (car payment, gas, insurance)
– Healthcare and Miscellaneous: $400
– Discretionary Spending: $1,200 (dining at Downtown Mall, wine tours)
– Savings/Debt: $900–$1,200 (20% of income)

A $75,000 salary, common for UVA administrative roles or mid-level software engineers (average $84,894, per PayScale), provides comfort, as seen with a client who purchased a $280,000 condo in Carriage Hill on a $78,000 salary in 2024. However, a Reddit discussion on r/Charlottesville suggests $65,000–$68,000 is the minimum for a solo apartment and car payment, with $70,000+ ideal for comfort.

Young Couples With No Children

For a dual-income couple renting a two-bedroom apartment ($2,000/month) or buying a $475,000 condo (30-year mortgage at 6.5%, ~$3,000/month with taxes and insurance), a combined household income of $85,000–$100,000 is recommended. Assuming equal earners, each needs $42,500–$50,000, achievable in roles like public school teachers ($60,523 average, per Salary.com) or UVA health staff ($90,633 average). A $90,000 household income supports:
– Housing: $2,000–$3,000 (28%–33% of income)
– Utilities: $300
– Groceries: $600
– Transportation: $600 (two cars)
– Healthcare and Miscellaneous: $600
– Discretionary Spending: $1,500 (festivals, Monticello Wine Trail)
– Savings/Debt: $1,200–$1,500

Recently a couple earning $95,000 combined purchased a 3-bedroom home in Dunlora Park for $475,000, comfortably managing a $2,800 mortgage payment. A $100,000+ income allows for upgrades, like a $550,000 home in Glenaire, as seen with a UVA faculty couple in 2023.

Families of Four

For a family of four with two working adults and two children, homeownership is often a priority. A $541,058 median-priced home in Albemarle County requires a $3,400 monthly mortgage payment (30-year, 6.5%). The 28% rule suggests a household income of $145,714 ($3,400 ÷ 0.28 ÷ 12). However, the 50-30-20 rule, accounting for childcare ($1,200/month for two kids), groceries ($800), and transportation ($800), points to $120,000–$150,000 for comfort. This breaks down as:
– Mortgage: $3,400
– Utilities: $400
– Groceries: $800
– Childcare: $1,200
– Transportation: $800
– Healthcare and Miscellaneous: $800
– Discretionary Spending: $2,000 (family outings, sports)
– Savings/Debt: $1,800–$2,400

A $130,000 household income, achievable with one earner at $80,000 (e.g., UVA professor, $117,273 average) and another at $50,000 (e.g., administrative role, $52,000 average), supports this lifestyle. A 5-bedroom home in Cory Farms sold for $695,000 to a family earning $140,000 combined, who budgeted 30% for housing and maintained robust savings.

Retirees often prioritize low-maintenance homes or condos, like those in Carriage Hill ($280,000–$341,000). A $60,000–$80,000 annual income from pensions, Social Security, or investments covers a $1,800 mortgage or rent, utilities ($250), healthcare ($600, higher due to age), and discretionary spending ($1,200 for golf, dining). A $70,000 income, supplemented by savings, allowed a retiree client to buy a $450,000 villa in Old Trail, Crozet, in 2024, enjoying amenities like a golf course.

Employment Landscape and Salary Benchmarks

Charlottesville’s economy, driven by UVA, healthcare, and tech, shapes what constitutes a good salary. Key employers and their average salaries in 2025 include:
– UVA: $73,704 (administrative), $117,273 (faculty).
– UVA Health Systems: $90,633 (nurses, technicians).
– Northrop Grumman: $105,500 (engineers).
– City of Charlottesville: $66,436 (public sector roles).
– Leidos: $102,000 (tech professionals).

ZipRecruiter reports average salaries by career stage in Charlottesville:
– Entry-Level: $31,753 ($15.27/hour), suitable for retail or administrative roles.
– Mid-Level: $85,978 ($41.34/hour), common for teachers or software engineers.
– Part-Time: $84,691 ($40.72/hour), often in consulting or gig work.

High-paying roles include pediatric radiologists ($200,000+) and anesthesiologists ($180,000+), but most residents earn between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $71,898 (75th percentile). A “comfortable” salary, per ZipRecruiter, is $36,567 ($17.58/hour) statewide, but Charlottesville’s higher costs push this to $65,000–$70,000 for singles and $120,000+ for families.

Living Wage vs. Comfortable Salary

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates a living wage in Charlottesville (February 2025) for basic needs (housing, food, transportation, healthcare, taxes).
– Single Adult, No Children: $22.67/hour ($47,153/year), covering $1,200 rent and minimal expenses.
– Single Adult, One Child: $37.92/hour ($78,873/year), including childcare.
– Two Adults (One Working), Two Children: $34.17/hour ($71,073/year).
– Two Adults (Both Working), Two Children: $22.48/hour each ($93,510 combined).

A “good salary” exceeds these figures, allowing for savings, leisure, and homeownership. Reddit users on r/Charlottesville suggest $55,000 is a minimal living wage for a single person with roommates, while $70,000+ ensures comfort with a solo apartment and car. My clients confirm this: a single nurse earning $68,000 rented comfortably, while a family of four needed $130,000 to buy a $541,058 home.

Lifestyle and Salary Implications

Charlottesville’s lifestyle—vibrant yet relaxed—impacts salary needs. Residents enjoy:
– Cultural Amenities: The Downtown Mall (7 miles from Glenaire) offers dining (The Whiskey Jar), theaters (Paramount), and festivals (Tomtoberfest).
– Outdoor Recreation: Rivanna Trail, Shenandoah National Park (20 miles), and Monticello Wine Trail vineyards.
– Education: Top schools like Virginia Murray Elementary and Western Albemarle High, attracting families needing higher incomes for homes in areas like Cory Farms or Glenaire.

A $70,000 salary for a single professional supports frequent dining, wine tours, and savings. A $130,000 household income for a family of four covers private school tuition ($20,000/year at St. Anne’s-Belfield), sports leagues, and vacations. Retirees with $60,000–$80,000 enjoy golf at Farmington Country Club and low-maintenance condos.

Regional Comparisons and Alternatives

Charlottesville’s cost of living is lower than high-cost cities like San Francisco (-23%) or New York (-43.5%), per Salary.com, but higher than nearby Waynesboro, a more affordable alternative 30 minutes away. Waynesboro’s median home price is $300,000, and rents average $1,200 for a one-bedroom, making a $50,000–$60,000 salary comfortable for singles, as noted on Reddit. However, Waynesboro lacks Charlottesville’s cultural vibrancy and UVA-driven job market, making the latter’s higher salaries ($70,000+) worthwhile for many.

Navigating the Charlottesville Cost of Living Market with Toby Beavers

As a 22-year realtor, I help clients align their salaries with Charlottesville’s housing market:
1. Budget Assessment: I calculate housing affordability based on income, recommending condos ($280,000) for $60,000–$80,000 earners or single-family homes ($541,058) for $120,000+ households.
2. Neighborhood Selection: I match lifestyles to areas like Carriage Hill (affordable condos), Cory Farms (family-friendly), or Glenaire (private lots).
3. MLS and Off-Market Access: I source properties like a $475,000 Dunlora Park townhome for a $95,000-earning couple.
4. Financial Guidance: I connect clients with lenders to secure favorable mortgages, ensuring housing costs stay within 28% of income.

My Conclusion

A good salary in Charlottesville, VA, in 2025 depends on lifestyle and household needs but generally ranges from $70,000–$80,000 for single professionals, $85,000–$100,000 for couples, $120,000–$150,000 for families of four, and $60,000–$80,000 for retirees. As Toby Beavers, a savvy 22-year Charlottesville realtor, I’ve seen how these incomes support vibrant lifestyles, from Downtown Mall dining to Blue Ridge hiking, while covering housing costs in neighborhoods like Carriage Hill, Cory Farms, or Glenaire. With a 3% above-average cost of living, driven by housing, and a robust job market led by UVA and healthcare, Charlottesville rewards earners who align their salaries with the 28% housing rule and 50-30-20 budget.

Contact me to find a Charlottesville home that fits your income and makes Charlottesville’s charm yours.

*Data sourced from CAAR Q1 2025 Housing Report, Zillow, PayScale, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, MIT Living Wage Calculator, and Reddit, accessed April 2025.