Median rent is 26% lower in Easton ($1,223/mo vs $1,649/mo). Buying is cheaper in Easton, where the median home runs $169,200 versus $366,300. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($90,685 vs $63,775 a year). Taken together, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA.
City A
Easton, PA
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Easton, PA?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, 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
Virginia Beach
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Easton — median rent of $1,223/mo versus $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Virginia Beach: the median home is $366,300 versus $169,200 in Easton — 54% 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; Virginia Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Easton
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Virginia Beach
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Virginia Beach (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Easton.
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,685/yr).
Pick Easton if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,223/mo median).
Pick Easton if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.07%).
Is Easton cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.
How much is rent in Easton vs Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,223/mo in Easton, PA and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Easton, PA has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — Easton or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $63,775 in Easton, PA and $90,685 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach?
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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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