Cost of living in Virginia
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Virginia are 1.1% above the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 101.1 (U.S. = 100), making it the #16 most expensive of 51 states and DC. Compare Virginia with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Virginia prices
- 4.0% cheaper
- Take-home in Virginia at $75,000
- $58,094$4,841 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $55,769$4,647 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- +10.4%+$5,824 a year in Virginia buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Virginia take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Virginia with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Virginia as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Virginia? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Virginia prices by category
| Category | Virginia | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 101.1 | +1.1% |
| Goods | 100.4 | +0.4% |
| Housing (rent) | 106.8 | +6.8% |
| Utilities | 92.2 | −7.8% |
| Other services | 100.2 | +0.2% |
Rents in Virginia are close to the national average. The overall price level fell 0.2% relative to the nation versus 2023 (101.3). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Virginia, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $9,706 | $40,294 | $39,854 | $49,454 |
| $75,000 | $16,906 | $58,094 | $57,460 | $74,181 |
| $100,000 | $25,756 | $74,244 | $73,433 | $98,908 |
At $75,000, Virginia ranks #39 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Virginia paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Virginia equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Virginia. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Virginia once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | +3.8% | $77,860 | $77,916 |
| Washington, DC | +8.7% | $81,526 | $83,175 |
| West Virginia | −11.5% | $66,390 | $63,819 |
| Kentucky | −10.8% | $66,881 | $64,421 |
| Tennessee | −9.1% | $68,150 | $62,985 |
| North Carolina | −6.7% | $69,972 | $67,602 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −14.0% | $64,491 | $61,691 |
| Mississippi | −14.0% | $64,503 | $61,625 |
| Iowa | −13.2% | $65,103 | $62,176 |
| Oklahoma | −13.1% | $65,163 | $62,952 |
| California | +9.5% | $82,133 | $84,593 |
| Hawaii | +8.8% | $81,563 | $84,357 |
| New Jersey | +7.6% | $80,713 | $81,324 |
| Texas | −4.0% | $71,998 | $66,722 |
| Florida | +2.3% | $76,714 | $71,914 |
| New York | +6.7% | $80,057 | $81,551 |
Moving from Virginia to a cheaper state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia expensive to live in?
Virginia has a price level of 101.1 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 1.1% above the national average. It ranks #36 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Virginia?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $75,828 in Virginia before taxes. After Virginia taxes, $75,000 takes home $58,094 — worth $57,460 at U.S.-average prices, #39 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Virginia?
Virginia's housing price level is 106.8, meaning rents are 6.8% above the national average. Goods are 100.4 and utilities 92.2.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
West Virginia (price level 89.5, −11.5% vs Virginia). A $75,000 Virginia salary is equivalent to $63,819 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.