Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in Montana versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Montana runs roughly 26% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $71,855 in Montana and $64,017 in Virginia — about 11% higher in Montana. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no 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
None
5.3%
+5.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
5.65%
5.75%
+0.1 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,195
+34% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$311,800
$328,100
+5% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$71,855
$64,017
+11% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.2°F
59.9°F
+11.7°F in Virginia
Montana vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Virginia?
- Montana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 26% 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 Montana 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 $36,000 a year in Montana versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Montana or Virginia?
- Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no 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 Montana/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.