Rents are right about where Staunton's 10-year trend predicts.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,473 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 →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in Staunton is at its highest level since Zillow's records here began in May 2023.
Rent in Staunton changed +4.1% over the year to September 2026. Across the 66 Virginia cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +2.5%.
Rent has risen 2 months in a row, and rose in 7 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($65,581) is $1,640 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 2-bedroom ($1,300); a 3-bedroom is $1,820.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Staunton. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Staunton, VA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 37.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Staunton, VA has changed in 5 years
Household income in the area moved from $53,041 to $65,581 across the same window, up 23.6% versus 2021. Census counts show Staunton, VA adding about 590 residents over the five-year window, up 2.3% on net. The renter share has eased from 41.3% to 39.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 30.3% to 37.7% across the same window.
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Can you afford rent in Staunton on your salary?
At $1,473/mo, how Staunton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Staunton rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Staunton. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Staunton
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Staunton is $1,473/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,120/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,300/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,130/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,820/mo.
At 27% of local median household income ($65,581/yr), Staunton ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.1% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in Staunton?
Is rent going up or down in Staunton?
How does Staunton rent compare to other cities in Virginia?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Staunton?
At $1,473/mo, rent takes ~27% of Staunton's median household income ($65,581/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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