Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $804 in North Dakota versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, North Dakota runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $66,029 in North Dakota and $64,017 in Virginia — about 3% higher in North Dakota. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% 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)
North Dakota vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Virginia?
- North Dakota is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $804 runs about 33% 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 North Dakota 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 $32,000 a year in North Dakota versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, North Dakota or Virginia?
- North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 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 North Dakota/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.