Cost of Living
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Please review the below link for an estimated cost of attendance. The page reviews estimated living expenses, with books and supplies as additional categories, and applies to students in any graduate program. The living expenses estimates used in the cost of attendance reflect modest and restrained expense allowances for University of Virginia students. Some students will spend more than the estimated amounts while others will spend less, depending on individual lifestyles and circumstances. Eligibility for financial aid, however, is based on the standard estimated allowance, not on individual preferences and spending habits. Estimated cost of attendance can be found here.
In addition to the information from the link above, please also review the Tuition and Health Premiums Page to review information for your graduate program.
Cost of Living Comparison
Charlottesville offers a cosmopolitan setting for graduate study with a significantly lower cost of living than many major U.S. cities. When evaluating offers of living support from other programs, students should consider the relative value of a fellowship from the University of Virginia in the following locations.
| Location |
Increased Cost |
Equivalent of $37,000 Doctoral Fellowship at UVA |
| Boston |
33% |
$54,981 |
| Chicago |
16% |
$43,859 |
| Denver |
9% |
$40,744 |
| Los Angeles |
35% |
$56,501 |
| Miami |
17% |
$44,711 |
| New Haven |
8% |
$40,188 |
| New York City |
58% |
$87,606 |
| Philadelphia |
7% |
$39,669 |
| Providence |
10% |
$41,078 |
| San Diego |
32% |
$54,536 |
| San Francisco |
39% |
$60,876 |
| Washington, DC/Northern Virginia |
27% |
$50,755 |
*Per Forbes cost-of-living calculator as of August 2026.