Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Virginia: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Computer and Information Research Scientists salary really buy you in Virginia?

Virginia is 2.1% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$153,340

Median annual (2024)

→ -2.1%

Real Purchasing Power

$150,186

COL-adjusted (RPP=102.1)

Virginia Cost of Living Index

Virginia's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 102.1, meaning prices are 2.1% higher the national average. A Computer and Information Research Scientists earning $153,340 in Virginia has the equivalent purchasing power of $150,186 in an average-cost US state.

VA: 102.1

Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Key Insight

Virginia's cost of living is close to the national average, so $153,340 keeps most of its value at $150,186 in real terms. Location choice here is more about career opportunities than cost arbitrage.

Best States for Computer and Information Research Scientists (After Cost of Living)

Where does Computer and Information Research Scientists salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Washington

$202,176

RPP 109.8

2. New Mexico

$195,736

RPP 91.0

3. West Virginia

$191,423

RPP 89.2

4. New York

$183,447

RPP 107.6

5. Wisconsin

$180,595

RPP 92.3

6. Idaho

$175,522

RPP 91.8

7. Oregon

$168,864

RPP 106.6

8. Massachusetts

$152,568

RPP 109.4

9. Virginia

$150,186

RPP 102.1

10. Ohio

$148,240

RPP 91.5

Virginia ranks #9 out of 38 states for Computer and Information Research Scientists after cost-of-living adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia after cost of living?

A Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia earns a median salary of $153,340 per year. After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (RPP=102.1), the real purchasing power is $150,186 — a -2.1% difference.

Is Virginia expensive to live in?

Virginia's cost of living is 2.1% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Virginia is 102.1 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Virginia: $153,340 x (100 / 102.1) = $150,186. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Virginia offset the salary?

Partially — a Computer and Information Research Scientists's nominal salary of $153,340 in Virginia has 2.1% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $150,186. However, Virginia may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.