Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $1,357 in Virginia. Overall, Arizona runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $90,685 in Virginia — about 15% higher in Virginia. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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
5.6%
5.3%
+0.3 pp in Arizona
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
5.75%
+3.3 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$1,357
+8% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$364,300
$366,300
+1% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$90,685
+18% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
59.9°F
+15.2°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Virginia?
- Arizona is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,253 runs about 8% below Virginia's $1,357, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona 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 $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $54,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Virginia?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/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.