Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,195 in Virginia versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,017 in Virginia and $83,857 in Washington — about 24% higher in Washington. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.3%
6.5%
+1.2 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
5.75%
None
+5.8 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,195
$1,332
+11% in Washington
Median Home Value
$328,100
$454,600
+39% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,017
$83,857
+31% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
59.9°F
52.1°F
+7.8°F in Virginia
Virginia vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Washington?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 10% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Virginia than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $48,000 a year in Virginia versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Virginia or Washington?
- Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Virginia/Washington — 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.