RentData

Average Rent in Winchester, VA Rents rising 12.9% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in VA

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 144,676

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Winchester, VA has rental prices ranging from $1,095/month to $2,635/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,253/month — 10% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $82,413/year, spending $1,253/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Winchester Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,569/month, Winchester ranks #3 most expensive of the 68 cities tracked in Virginia — pricier than 93% 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 risen by $179/month (12.9%) over the past year, from $1,390 to $1,569. 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 Winchester, VA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $50,120. The local median household income of $82,413 exceeds that threshold by $32,293, making Winchester relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Winchester, VA is $406,564, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 21.6. 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 FY2025
Studio
$1,095
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,253
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,569
12.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,952
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$2,635
Average
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Median Home Value
$406,564
Source: Zillow ZHVI
Est. monthly payment
$2,164/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
$62,760/year
Local median income: $82,413
To buy a median home
$86,556/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,569/month and 20% down on a $406,564 home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in VAlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Madison County$907$913$1,096$1,361
Warren County$983$989$1,298$1,744
King and Queen County$1,152$1,197$1,325$1,645
Richmond$1,488$1,545$1,711$2,166
Roanoke$892$948$1,141$1,597
Lynchburg$1,043$1,062$1,200$1,647

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
$406,564
2BR Rent
$1,569/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$2,164/mo
🏠 Buy

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

Total monthly buy cost: $2,994/movs rent: $1,569/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 $406,564 home at 7% rate

20% — $81,313
3%50%
Estimated Monthly Payment
$2,164
per month · 30 years · 7% APR
Loan Amount
$325,251
Total Paid
$779,006
Total Interest
$453,755
Estimated only. Excludes taxes, insurance, HOA. Rate from FRED.

Living in Winchester

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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

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