According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the Lynchburg Metropolitan Area Composite Index (which includes Bedford County) for the 3rd quarter showed housing the lowest in Virginia at 78.3 — on a scale with 100 being average —and grocery items the second lowest in the state at 90.5.

The overall cost of living composite index was 90.1 or almost 10% below the national average, and also included utilities, 102; transportation, 87.3; healthcare, 92.2; and misc. goods and services, 97.0.

To see how our region compared to other MSA’s in the state view here. The Cost of Living Index is done quarterly and measures the regional differences in consumer goods and services.