Cost of Living for Virginia (2026)
Virginia (VA) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
104
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$80,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$1,300/month
State Income Tax Rate
5.75%
How This Calculator Works in Virginia
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Virginia and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Virginia's cost of living index of 104 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Virginia Overview
Virginia has a cost of living index of 104, where 100 represents the national average. Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun) has a cost of living rivaling DC itself due to proximity to the capital. Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley are significantly cheaper. The median household income is $80,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $76,923 in an average-cost location.
How Virginia Compares
Virginia's cost of living index of 104 compares to Maryland's 113 and North Carolina's 96. Residents in Virginia generally need higher incomes to maintain the same standard of living as those in more affordable states. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 24% less than Virginia, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 85% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | COL Index: 113 | Maryland has a cost of living index of 113 and a median household income of $87,000. It is more expensive than Virginia. |
| North Carolina | COL Index: 96 | North Carolina has a cost of living index of 96 and a median household income of $60,000. It is more affordable than Virginia. |
| West Virginia | COL Index: 84 | West Virginia has a cost of living index of 84 and a median household income of $48,000. It is more affordable than Virginia. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Virginia's index of 104 is near the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Virginia's median household income of $80,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Virginia Residents
- 1Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun) has a cost of living rivaling DC itself due to proximity to the capital. Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley are significantly cheaper.
- 2Virginia's median household income of $80,000 has a real purchasing power of about $76,923 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Virginia's top state income tax rate of 5.75% further reduces purchasing power beyond what the cost of living index alone shows. Factor in taxes when making state-to-state comparisons.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Virginia between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.