Arkansas vs Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $878/yr more in Arkansas

$73/mo · $34/paycheck more

Arkansas
Virginia

$58,416/yr in Arkansas vs $57,538/yr in Virginia.

Arkansas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,246.76

$58,416/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,1774%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,41678%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.4%

Virginia

Take-home per paycheck

$2,212.98

$57,538/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$4,0555%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,53877%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.3%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Arkansas is 12% lower than in Virginia.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,416 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $51,500 in Virginia terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Virginia comes out ahead by $6,038/yr.

Housing
Median home$195,000vs$380,000
Arkansas
Virginia
95% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,103/movs$1,494/mo
Arkansas
Virginia
35% more
Groceries
Index
Arkansas
Virginia
6% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.05/galvs$3.32/gal
Arkansas
Virginia
9% more
Utilities
Electric bill$85/movs$94/mo
Arkansas
Virginia
11% more
Healthcare
Index
Arkansas
Virginia
23% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$8,873/yrvs$14,277/yr
Arkansas
Virginia
61% more

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Arkansas: Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%.

Virginia: Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Arkansas take-home Virginia take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,278 $39,738 + $541
$75,000 $58,416 $57,538 + $878
$100,000 $74,903 $73,688 + $1,216
$150,000 $107,314 $105,424 + $1,891
$200,000 $140,250 $137,685 + $2,566
$300,000 $202,100 $198,184 + $3,916

Positive values mean higher take-home in Arkansas. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arkansas or Virginia?

At a $100,000 salary, Arkansas results in $1,216 more annual take-home pay. Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.

How much more do you take home in Arkansas vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $541/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,891/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,916/yr.

Do Arkansas and Virginia have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Virginia?

Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arkansas is 16% lower than in Virginia. Arkansas's Regional Price Parity is 87 and Virginia's is 103.2 (US average = 100).

Is Arkansas cheaper than Virginia?

Yes. Arkansas has a lower cost of living than Virginia (index 87 vs 103.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Virginia more expensive than Arkansas?

Yes. Virginia has a higher cost of living (index 103.2) compared to Arkansas (index 87). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,903 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $63,145 in Virginia terms. Conversely, $73,688 in Virginia equals $87,409 in Arkansas terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Virginia comes out ahead.

Arkansas vs Virginia cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 16% different between Arkansas and Virginia. Living costs are 13% below the national average Living costs are about 3% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Virginia gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Arkansas and Virginia?

Arkansas requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Virginia requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Arkansas Paycheck Estimator · Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states