RentData

Average Rent in Winchester, VA↓ Rents falling 4.3% YoY🔺 6th priciest in VA

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 144,676

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Winchester, VA has rental prices ranging from $1,066/month to $2,516/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,180/month — 16% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $82,413/year, spending $1,180/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Winchester Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,505/month, Winchester ranks #6 most expensive of the 69 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 89% of all US cities in our data.

The Winchester Rental Market

The Winchester, VA area has a population of about 144,676 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Winchester, VA have fallen by $68/month (4.3%) over the past year, from $1,573 to $1,505. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Winchester, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $47,200. The local median household income of $82,413 exceeds that threshold by $35,213, making Winchester relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Winchester, VA is $398,946, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 22.1. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$1,066
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,180
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,505
↓4.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,895
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,516
Average
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Median Home Value
$398,946
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$2,123/mo
20% down · 30yr · 7%

Is Winchester, VA Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$60,200/year
Local median income: $82,413
To buy a median home
$84,934/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,505/month and 20% down on a $398,946 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Madison County$907$913$1,096$1,361—
Warren County$1,063$1,108$1,449$1,930—
King and Queen County$1,032$1,075$1,170$1,435—
Richmond$1,456$1,517$1,651$2,039—
Roanoke$1,186$1,250$1,464$2,022—
Lynchburg$965$971$1,117$1,547—

Rent or Buy in Winchester?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Winchester data

$
Home Value
$398,946
2BR Rent
$1,505/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$2,123/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,938/movs rent: $1,505/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Mortgage Calculator

Estimate monthly payment for $398,946 home at 7% rate

20% — $79,789
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,123
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$319,157
Total Paid
$764,409
Total Interest
$445,252
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Winchester

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Winchester

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⚖️Rent vs Buy in Winchester

Is it cheaper to rent or buy here?

💵Rent Affordability in Winchester

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in VA

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📋VA Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections