Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,331 in Maine versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Maine, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $76,174 in Maine and $64,017 in Virginia — about 16% higher in Maine. Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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
5.5%
5.3%
+0.2 pp in Maine
Income Tax (top rate)
7.15%
5.75%
+1.4 pp in Maine
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,331
$1,195
+10% in Maine
Median Home Value
$452,600
$328,100
+28% in Maine
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$76,174
$64,017
+16% in Maine
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.5°F
59.9°F
+13.4°F in Virginia
Maine vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 10% below Maine's $1,331, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Maine 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 $53,000 a year in Maine versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Maine or Virginia?
- Maine has a top state income tax rate of 7.15% and a 5.5% 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 Maine/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.