Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $866 in Missouri versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Missouri runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,279 in Missouri and $64,017 in Virginia — about 14% higher in Virginia. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% 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
4.225%
5.3%
+1.1 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
4.70%
5.75%
+1.0 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$866
$1,195
+38% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$185,100
$328,100
+77% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,279
$64,017
+16% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
56.3°F
59.9°F
+3.6°F in Virginia
Missouri vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Missouri or Virginia?
- Missouri is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $866 runs about 28% 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 Missouri 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 $35,000 a year in Missouri versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Missouri or Virginia?
- Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% 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 Missouri/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.