Median rent is 2% lower in Easton ($1,223/mo vs $1,246/mo). Buying is cheaper in Easton, where the median home runs $169,200 versus $271,900. Households earn more in Norfolk ($64,017 vs $63,775 a year). Taken together, Norfolk is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 98.1 — about 0% lower overall prices.
City A
Easton, PA
City B
Norfolk, VA
How much would you need to earn in Norfolk, VA to maintain your standard of living from Easton, PA?
Equivalent salary in Norfolk, 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
Norfolk
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 $1,246/mo in Norfolk. Home buyers face a steeper market in Norfolk: the median home is $271,900 versus $169,200 in Easton — 38% 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; Norfolk has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Easton
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Norfolk
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Norfolk (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Easton.
Pick Easton if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Easton cheaper than Norfolk?
Norfolk 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 Norfolk.
How much is rent in Easton vs Norfolk?
Median rent is $1,223/mo in Easton, PA and $1,246/mo in Norfolk, VA. Easton, PA has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Easton or Norfolk?
Median household income is $63,775 in Easton, PA and $64,017 in Norfolk, VA. Norfolk, 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 Norfolk?
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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk, 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