Median rent is 5% lower in Easton ($1,223/mo vs $1,285/mo). Buying is cheaper in Easton, where the median home runs $169,200 versus $243,300. Households earn more in Newport News ($66,718 vs $63,775 a year). Taken together, Newport News is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 98.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Newport News, VA.
City A
Easton, PA
City B
Newport News, VA
How much would you need to earn in Newport News, VA to maintain your standard of living from Easton, PA?
Equivalent salary in Newport News, VA
$74,876
You could earn $124 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Easton
Pennsylvania
Newport News
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,223/mo in Easton and $1,285/mo in Newport News. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newport News: the median home is $243,300 versus $169,200 in Easton — 30% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Easton is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 5.30% in Virginia; Newport News has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Easton
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Newport News
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Newport News (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Easton.
Pick Easton if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Easton cheaper than Newport News?
Newport News is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 98.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Newport News.
How much is rent in Easton vs Newport News?
Median rent is $1,223/mo in Easton, PA and $1,285/mo in Newport News, VA. Easton, PA has the lower rent by about 5%.
Which has higher salaries — Easton or Newport News?
Median household income is $63,775 in Easton, PA and $66,718 in Newport News, VA. Newport News, VA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Easton or Newport News?
Pennsylvania's top income tax rate is 3.07% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Easton, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newport News to match my Easton income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Easton, PA is equivalent to roughly $99,835 in Newport News, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology