Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $782 in Indiana versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,293 in Indiana and $64,017 in Virginia — about 6% higher in Virginia. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% 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
7%
5.3%
+1.7 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
5.75%
+2.8 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$782
$1,195
+53% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$169,700
$328,100
+93% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$64,017
+6% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
59.9°F
+6.7°F in Virginia
Indiana vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Virginia?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 35% 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 Indiana 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 $31,000 a year in Indiana versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Virginia?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% 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 Indiana/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.