Virginia Cost of Living Calculator
Virginia scores 99.0 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 99.3, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $74,250 here; its highest part is groceries at 100.4.
| Index | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 99.0 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 99.3 |
| Groceries | 100.4 |
| Utilities | 98.8 |
| Transportation | 99.6 |
| Health care | 95.6 |
| Other goods and services | 98.4 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
Enter Your Details
Adjust values to see instant results
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$750.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Virginia's figures fill the destination side: composite 99.0 for the salary, housing 99.3 for the rent, and 5.75% top rate for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Virginia ranks 22nd highest of the 50 states on the composite index (99.0). Median household income: $92,090 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,791 a month.
What Virginia's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Virginia | Rent at the U.S. average → in Virginia | Virginia income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,500 | $1,000 → $993 | $2,032 (4.1%) |
| $75,000 | $74,250 | $1,500 → $1,490 | $3,455 (4.7%) |
| $100,000 | $99,000 | $2,000 → $1,986 | $4,878 (4.9%) |
| $150,000 | $148,500 | $2,500 → $2,483 | $7,725 (5.2%) |
Virginia 2026 single-filer rates, after Virginia Tax — Deductions; Exemptions (tax year 2025).
Virginia and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Virginia | $1,500 rent there = in Virginia | $75,000 in Virginia = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 94.0 / 79.4 | $78,989 | $1,876 | $71,212 | 3.5% flat → 5.75% top rate |
| Maryland | 118.8 / 144.1 | $62,500 | $1,034 | $90,000 | 6.5% top rate → 5.75% top rate |
| North Carolina | 96.7 / 91.4 | $76,784 | $1,630 | $73,258 | 3.99% flat → 5.75% top rate |
| Tennessee | 89.7 / 80.0 | $82,776 | $1,862 | $67,955 | none on wages → 5.75% top rate |
| West Virginia | 87.0 / 69.9 | $85,345 | $2,131 | $65,909 | 4.58% top rate → 5.75% top rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Virginia?
Virginia's composite index is 99.0 for Q2 2026, the 22nd highest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $74,250 buys in Virginia.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Virginia?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Virginia's highest part is groceries (100.4) and its lowest is health care (95.6); groceries is above the national average, the other five at or below it (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Virginia at 30% of income?
About $71,640 a year: Virginia's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,791 a month, and $21,492 a year is 30% of that salary.