Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,978 in Massachusetts versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 40% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $94,755 in Massachusetts and $64,017 in Virginia — about 32% higher in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Massachusetts vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 40% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Massachusetts 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 $79,000 a year in Massachusetts versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Virginia?
- Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% 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 Massachusetts/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.