Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,100 in Pennsylvania versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Pennsylvania runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,698 in Pennsylvania and $64,017 in Virginia — about 5% higher in Virginia. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% 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)
Pennsylvania vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Virginia?
- Pennsylvania is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,100 runs about 8% 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 Pennsylvania 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 $44,000 a year in Pennsylvania versus $48,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Pennsylvania or Virginia?
- Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% 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 Pennsylvania/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.