The Roanoke, VA Salary Guide: What $100,000 Actually Buys You

You see the number $100,000 on a contract and feel like you’ve made it. In Roanoke, Virginia, that number gets you a comfortable life—but the math between the "sticker price" and your bank account is brutal. We strip away the corporate fluff to show you exactly what your purchasing power looks like in the Star City.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

Let’s run the numbers. You sign a contract for a $100,000 annual salary. Before you spend a single dime, the government and insurance programs take their pound of flesh.

• The Sticker Price: $100,000
• Federal Tax: -$13,614
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): -$7,650
• State Tax (VA): -$5,750
• Local Tax: -$0

The Verification:
After the smoke clears, your actual "Take Home Pay" is $72,986. That is a 27% reduction from your gross salary. You lose over a quarter of your income to taxes before it hits your pocket.

However, context is everything. In Roanoke, a net income of $72,986 carries significantly more weight than it would in a high-tax metro like NYC or Chicago, where state and city taxes would decimate this figure further.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net income of $6,082, we apply the 50/30/20 rule to assess your financial health. This isn't just about paying bills; it's about building a life.

Needs ($3,041/mo): The Rent Reality Check

In Roanoke, $3,041 is a fortress. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,100 - $1,300. This means you are spending roughly 36% to 42% of your "Needs" budget on housing, assuming a standard apartment.

The Verdict: You can afford a premium apartment in a desirable neighborhood (like South Roanoke or Wasena) and still have over $1,700 left for utilities, groceries, insurance, and gas. You are not living paycheck to paycheck in the "Needs" category; you are thriving.

Wants ($1,825/mo): The Lifestyle Fund

This is your discretionary cash. Roanoke’s dining and entertainment scene is affordable. You can eat out at high-end restaurants, maintain a gym membership, and catch a show at the Berglund Center without blinking.

Savings ($1,216/mo): Wealth Creation

This is the most critical metric. Saving $1,216 per month puts you in the top tier of savers nationally.

• Annually: $14,592
• Invested over 10 years (at 7%): This snowballs into a massive nest egg.

In Roanoke, a $100k salary allows you to aggressively save for a down payment on a home (median home price ~$280k) or max out investment accounts.

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Roanoke Taxes vs. The Competition

Roanoke is in the "Sweet Spot" of state taxation. It isn't a tax-free haven, but it avoids the predatory rates of its neighbors.

• Vs. NYC: A $100k salary in NYC faces a combined state and city income tax of roughly $8,000-$9,000. In Roanoke, you pay $5,750 to the state and $0 to the city. You save roughly $3,000 annually purely on income tax compared to New York City.
• Vs. Austin, TX: Texas has no state income tax, so your take-home pay would be higher (approx $78,736). However, Texas relies on aggressive property taxes (often 1.8%+) to fund the state. Roanoke’s property tax rate is significantly lower (approx $0.98 per $100 of value). If you plan to buy a home, Roanoke often balances out the "no state tax" advantage of Texas over the long run.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in Roanoke?
A: Virginia uses a progressive tax structure. For a $100,000 salary, you fall into a marginal bracket resulting in an effective tax rate of approximately 5.75% ($5,750 total). Local (city) income tax is 0%.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in Roanoke?
A: Yes. It is an excellent salary. It places you well above the median household income for the area and allows for a comfortable lifestyle, significant savings ($1,216/mo), and the ability to purchase a home without being "house poor."

Q: Does Roanoke have a local city tax?
A: No. Residents of the City of Roanoke do not pay a local wage or earnings tax. You only pay Virginia State Tax and Federal Tax.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes based on a single filing status scenario. Calculations based on IRS 2026 Tax Tables (Projected), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data for the Roanoke, VA MSA, and Virginia State Comptroller tax schedules. Always consult a certified tax professional for personal financial advice.