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City Report · VA

Stafford

·21st most expensive in Virginia·Stafford rents are up 12.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,549/mo
Year-over-Year
+12.9%
Month-over-Month
-4.3%
vs US Median
+$587
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Stafford · $2,549
More expensive than 81% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
40/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% above what Stafford's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,549/mo
Expected by trend
$2,428/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Stafford's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,970
1 BR
$2,020
2 BR
$2,270
3 BR
$2,840
4 BR+
$3,350
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,270/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,549 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$30,588/yr
At $2,549/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (12.9% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+12.9% YoY, -4.3% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Stafford, VA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,679 → $2,549
up 51.8%

Since 2021, the typical rent in Stafford, VA has climbed from $1,679 to $2,549, a 51.8% change over five years. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Stafford, VA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Stafford rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Stafford on your salary?

At $2,549/mo, how Stafford rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Stafford rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Stafford. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Stafford

About renting in Stafford, VA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Stafford is $2,549/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,970/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,270/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,020/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,840/mo.

At 42% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Stafford ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 12.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Stafford an affordable city for renters?

Stafford is considered stretched for renters. At $2,549/mo, rent takes approximately 42% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Stafford significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Stafford?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $102,000/year (~$49/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,549/mo in Stafford.

Is rent going up or down in Stafford?

Rent in Stafford has increased 12.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Stafford rent compare to other cities in Virginia?

Stafford is one of the pricier cities in Virginia for rent, ranking #21 out of 83 tracked cities at $2,549/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Stafford?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Stafford ($2,549/mo): Fredericksburg ($2,065/mo), Manassas ($2,190/mo), Woodbridge ($2,194/mo).

How does Stafford rent compare to the national average?

Stafford's median rent of $2,549/mo is $587 (30%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Virginia, it ranks #21 out of 83 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
42%
STRETCHED

At $2,549/mo, rent takes ~42% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Stafford 42%Benchmark 30%
State income tax2–5.75%
Run the Stafford affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Stafford
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Stafford, VA

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