Virginia vs West Virginia Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $1,104/yr more in West Virginia
$92/mo · $42/paycheck more
$57,538/yr in Virginia vs $58,641/yr in West Virginia.
Virginia
Take-home per paycheck
$2,212.98
$57,538/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
West Virginia
Take-home per paycheck
$2,255.42
$58,641/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Virginia is 16% higher than in West Virginia.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,538 in Virginia has the purchasing power of $66,822 in West Virginia terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Virginia comes out ahead by $8,181/yr.
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
Virginia: Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%.
West Virginia: West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Virginia take-home | West Virginia take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,738 | $40,644 | -$906 |
| $75,000 | $57,538 | $58,641 | -$1,103 |
| $100,000 | $73,688 | $74,949 | -$1,261 |
| $150,000 | $105,424 | $107,000 | -$1,576 |
| $200,000 | $137,685 | $139,576 | -$1,891 |
| $300,000 | $198,184 | $200,705 | -$2,521 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Virginia. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Virginia or West Virginia?
At a $100,000 salary, West Virginia results in $1,261 more annual take-home pay. Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets ranging from 2.36% to 5.12%.
How much more do you take home in West Virginia vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $906/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,576/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,521/yr.
Do Virginia and West 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 Virginia or West Virginia?
West Virginia is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Virginia is 19% higher than in West Virginia. Virginia's Regional Price Parity is 103.2 and West Virginia's is 86.7 (US average = 100).
Is West Virginia cheaper than Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia has a lower cost of living than Virginia (index 86.7 vs 103.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Virginia more expensive than West Virginia?
Yes. Virginia has a higher cost of living (index 103.2) compared to West Virginia (index 86.7). 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 $73,688 in Virginia has the purchasing power of $87,711 in West Virginia terms. Conversely, $74,949 in West Virginia equals $62,965 in Virginia terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Virginia comes out ahead.
Virginia vs West Virginia cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 17% different between Virginia and West Virginia. Living costs are about 3% above the national average Living costs are 13% below the national average — one of the lowest in the US After taxes and cost of living, Virginia gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Related tools
- Virginia vs West Virginia Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Virginia?
- How much house can you afford in West Virginia?
Virginia Paycheck Estimator · West Virginia Paycheck Estimator · All states