Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $817 in Ohio versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Ohio runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $51,707 in Ohio and $64,017 in Virginia — about 19% higher in Virginia. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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
5.75%
5.3%
+0.5 pp in Ohio
Income Tax (top rate)
2.75%
5.75%
+3.0 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$817
$1,195
+46% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$215,300
$328,100
+52% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$51,707
$64,017
+24% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.7°F
59.9°F
+7.2°F in Virginia
Ohio vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Virginia?
- Ohio is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $817 runs about 32% 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 Ohio 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 $33,000 a year in Ohio versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Ohio or Virginia?
- Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% 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 Ohio/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.