Uprootmap
Washington vs Roanoke
Washington and Roanoke
Photo: SchuminWeb (Ben Schumin) / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Roanoke are above the US rate in this release, 8.7 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Washington to Roanoke
In 2022-2023, 70 households filed a move from Washington to Roanoke (about 115 people, average adjusted gross income $102,057). 82 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,090 in Roanoke. Washington has a state tax on wages. Roanoke has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Roanoke is 92% of the national level for the same work, against 124% in Washington.
Roanoke averages 208 sunny days, with July highs around 88°F and January nights around 31°F. Washington is 203 sunny days, 89°F in July, 29°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in Roanoke and 34 in Washington.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 70 households moved Washington → Roanoke (about 115 people, average AGI $102,057). 82 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Washington and Roanoke changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 205 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,750–$3,300
- Container or pod
- $1,200–$2,200
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
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Dig into Roanoke
Questions
Is Roanoke cheaper than Washington after tax and rent?
Yes. Roanoke leaves about $986 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,090 in Roanoke.
Does Roanoke have state income tax?
Roanoke is in Virginia, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Washington to Roanoke?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.