Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,195 in Virginia versus $758 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 37% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,017 in Virginia and $43,146 in West Virginia — about 33% higher in Virginia. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Income (median across tracked cities)
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Virginia vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 37% 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 West Virginia?
- 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 $30,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Virginia or West Virginia?
- Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Virginia/West 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.