Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,195 in Virginia versus $849 in Wisconsin. Overall, Wisconsin runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,017 in Virginia and $62,546 in Wisconsin — about 2% higher in Virginia. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax; Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.3%
5%
+0.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
5.75%
7.65%
+1.9 pp in Wisconsin
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,195
$849
+29% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$328,100
$191,500
+42% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,017
$62,546
+2% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
59.9°F
46.5°F
+13.4°F in Virginia
Virginia vs Wisconsin — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $849 runs about 29% 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 Virginia than in Wisconsin?
- 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 $34,000 in Wisconsin.
- Which has lower taxes, Virginia or Wisconsin?
- Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax. Wisconsin has a top state income tax rate of 7.65% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Virginia/Wisconsin — 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.