Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 5% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $64,017 in Virginia — about 21% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 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
6%
5.3%
+0.7 pp in Idaho
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
5.75%
+0.5 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,195
+5% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$456,000
$328,100
+28% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$64,017
+21% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
59.9°F
+7.4°F in Virginia
Idaho vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Virginia?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 5% 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 Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Virginia?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 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 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/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.