Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $64,017 in Virginia — about 25% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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
2.9%
5.3%
+2.4 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
5.75%
+1.3 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$1,195
+8% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$328,100
+44% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$64,017
+25% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
59.9°F
+9.7°F in Virginia
Colorado vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 8% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Virginia?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 3/3 cities we track in Colorado/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.