Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,195 in Virginia versus $824 in Wyoming. Overall, Wyoming runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,017 in Virginia and $77,176 in Wyoming — about 17% higher in Wyoming. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.3%
4%
+1.3 pp in Virginia
Income Tax (top rate)
5.75%
None
+5.8 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,195
$824
+31% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$328,100
$311,200
+5% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,017
$77,176
+21% in Wyoming
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
59.9°F
46.5°F
+13.4°F in Virginia
Virginia vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Wyoming?
- Wyoming is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $824 runs about 31% 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 Wyoming?
- 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 $33,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, Virginia or Wyoming?
- Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Virginia/Wyoming — 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.