Moving to New River Valley from Chicago
For people leaving Chicago, Southwest Virginia is one of the better-value places to land. Housing and taxes cost a good deal less here, and you're right next to the Blue Ridge.
Taxes
IL's top income tax rate is 5.0% versus Virginia's 5.75%, and property taxes run about 2.10% there versus roughly 1% across the region. On a $215,000 home that's a meaningful annual difference.
Cost of living & housing
Overall costs run about 28% lower here than in Chicago. It takes only about $146,667 here to match a $200,000 lifestyle there. The $215,000 median home here would run on the order of $296,552 back in Chicago.
Where to live
Compare the areas and what your money buys:
| Area | Median price | Tax /$100 |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County (Blacksburg & Christiansburg) | $352,000 | 0.76 |
| Pulaski County | $205,000 | 0.74 |
| Floyd County | $215,000 | 0.66 |
Get the numbers for a Chicago-to-Virginia move →
Also exploring Southwest Virginia?
This is the New River Valley guide. Looking a little further out? See our companion guide: