2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Palo Alto, CA vs Blacksburg, VA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Blacksburg or is it cheaper to live in Palo Alto?
- Blacksburg is 61.2% less expensive than Palo Alto.

Which city has more affordable housing, Blacksburg or Palo Alto?
- Blacksburg housing costs are 90.9% less expensive than Palo Alto housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Palo Alto or is Health Care more affordable in Blacksburg.
- Health related expenses are 8.8% more in Blacksburg.
 Palo Alto, CABlacksburg, VAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock89.6100
 Food & Groceries124.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock117.2100
 Housing1,139.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$362,100$338,100
 Utilities90  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock62.1100
 Miscellaneous156.2  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Very  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palo Alto

Reviews for Blacksburg    12 Reviews

Over 9 years ago

Growing up I thought my city was the best thing since sliced bread. However, since moving to Blacksburg I have changed my tune. Amazing community and  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

Blacksburg is a very nice place overall, but like others has its pros and cons. It's a small, clean, quaint college town amid rural farmland and forested mountains. The  More

   |    Reply

Over 14 years ago

4 great seasons without  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Blacksburg


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.