Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,705 in New York versus $1,357 in Virginia. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 20% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $79,713 in New York and $90,685 in Virginia — about 12% higher in Virginia. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% 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%
5.3%
+1.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
5.75%
+5.2 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,705
$1,357
+20% in New York
Median Home Value
$751,700
$366,300
+51% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$79,713
$90,685
+14% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
55.0°F
59.9°F
+4.9°F in Virginia
New York vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Virginia?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,357 runs about 20% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New York 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 $68,000 a year in New York versus $54,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Virginia?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% 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 1/1 cities we track in New York/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.