Average Rent in Harrisonburg, VA↑ Rents rising 15.7% YoY🔺 5th priciest in VA

Harrisonburg, VA has rental prices ranging from $1,081/month to $2,314/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,088/month — 22% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $72,145/year, spending $1,088/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Harrisonburg Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,392/month, Harrisonburg ranks #5 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The Harrisonburg Rental Market

The Harrisonburg, VA area has a population of about 136,231 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Harrisonburg, VA have risen by $189/month (15.7%) over the past year, from $1,203 to $1,392. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Harrisonburg, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,520. The local median household income of $72,145 exceeds that threshold by $28,625, making Harrisonburg relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Harrisonburg, VA is $354,245, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 21 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Harrisonburg's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Pheasant Acres ($247,133 median home value), Northeast ($268,496 median home value), Reherd Acres ($272,309 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Harrisonburg, VA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Harrisonburg?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Harrisonburg

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.