Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $64,017 in Virginia — about 5% higher in Virginia. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
5.3%
+1.2 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
5.75%
+1.9 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,195
+32% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$221,200
$328,100
+48% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$64,017
+6% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
59.9°F
+2.8°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Virginia?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 24% below Virginia's $1,195, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Virginia?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Arkansas versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Virginia?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Virginia — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.