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Cost of living in Virginia

Rent, taxes, earnings and more across all 133 Virginia counties.

Avg. 1-bed rent
$1,151/mo
Avg. household income
$74,957/yr
Avg. home value
$278,065
Avg. monthly cost
$3,283/mo
Cheapest county
Martinsville city
$2,562/mo for a single person
Most expensive county
Arlington County
$5,202/mo for a single person

Last updated May 21, 2026

Taxes in Virginia

State income, sales and local tax rates.

State income tax
5.75%
Top marginal rate

Virginia has a graduated state income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75%.

State sales tax
5.30%
Combined sales tax
5.75%
incl. average local of 0.45%

Use our salary calculator to see your take-home pay in Virginia

Tax information is for general reference. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

Rent in Virginia

The average one-bedroom rent across Virginia is $1,151/mo. Rent varies from $649/mo in Charlotte County to $2,056/mo in Stafford County.

Cheapest rent

Most expensive rent

Cheapest places to live in Virginia

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Rankings include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare and taxes. See our methodology.

Most expensive places to live in Virginia

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Highest earning counties in Virginia

Top 10 by average household income.

All 133 counties in Virginia

Sorted by population. Type to filter.

Compare any two areas in Virginia

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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Frequently asked questions about Virginia

Common questions about cost of living, taxes and rent.

What is the cost of living in Virginia?

The average cost of living in Virginia is approximately $3,283 per month for a single person. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and taxes. Costs range from $2,562/mo in Martinsville city to $5,202/mo in Arlington County.

What is the average rent in Virginia?

The average one-bedroom rent in Virginia is $1,151 per month, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across all 133 counties.

What is the average salary in Virginia?

The average household income in Virginia is $74,957 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Does Virginia have state income tax?

Yes, Virginia has a graduated income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75%.

What is the sales tax in Virginia?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Virginia averages 5.75%. The state rate is 5.30% with an average local addition of 0.45%.

What are the cheapest places to live in Virginia?

The cheapest counties to live in Virginia based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Lexington city ($2,275/mo), 2. Martinsville city ($2,562/mo), 3. Norton city ($2,565/mo), 4. Radford city ($2,567/mo), 5. Wise County ($2,587/mo).

What are the most expensive places to live in Virginia?

The most expensive counties to live in Virginia based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Arlington County ($5,202/mo), 2. Falls Church city ($5,188/mo), 3. Loudoun County ($5,132/mo), 4. Alexandria city ($4,858/mo), 5. Fairfax County ($4,808/mo).

Use this research

Journalists, researchers and bloggers are welcome to cite and share this analysis. Please include a follow link back to this page when referencing our data. For bespoke analysis, expert comment, or high-resolution graphics, get in touch via our press office.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources.

  • U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
  • HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Tax Foundation state and local rates
Methodology All data sources