Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $857 in New York versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, New York runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,050 in New York and $64,017 in Virginia — about 25% 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
$857
$1,195
+39% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$152,300
$328,100
+115% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$64,017
+33% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.3°F
59.9°F
+11.6°F in Virginia
New York vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Virginia?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 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 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 $34,000 a year in New York versus $48,000 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 3/3 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.