Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $863 in Oklahoma versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Oklahoma runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,060 in Oklahoma and $64,017 in Virginia — about 2% higher in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% 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%
5.3%
+0.8 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
4.50%
5.75%
+1.3 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$863
$1,195
+38% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$215,100
$328,100
+53% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,060
$64,017
+2% in Oklahoma
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
61.5°F
59.9°F
+1.6°F in Oklahoma
Oklahoma vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Oklahoma or Virginia?
- Oklahoma is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $863 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 Oklahoma 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 $35,000 a year in Oklahoma versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Oklahoma or Virginia?
- Oklahoma has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 4.5% 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 3/3 cities we track in Oklahoma/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.