Median rent is 18% lower in Philadelphia ($1,397/mo vs $1,714/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $243,100 versus $382,500. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($92,968 vs $61,953 a year). Taken together, Virginia Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.7 against 102.4 — about 5% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Virginia Beach, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Virginia Beach is 5% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 97.7 in Virginia Beach vs 102.4 in Philadelphia (US national average = 100)
City A
Philadelphia, PA
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Philadelphia, PA?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$71,600
You could earn $3,400 less (5% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Philadelphia
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Philadelphia at $1,397/mo compared to $1,714/mo in Virginia Beach (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Virginia Beach: the median home is $382,500 versus $243,100 in Philadelphia — 36% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Philadelphia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Virginia Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Virginia Beach has cleaner air on average: 45.0 AQI (Good) compared to 54.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.7 vs 102.4).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($92,968/yr).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,397/mo median).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 45.0).
Is Philadelphia cheaper than Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.7 versus 102.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 5% lower in Virginia Beach.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,397/mo in Philadelphia, PA and $1,714/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Philadelphia or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $61,953 in Philadelphia, PA and $92,968 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?
Virginia Beach, VA has better air quality on average: 45.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Philadelphia or Virginia Beach?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match my Philadelphia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA is equivalent to roughly $95,466 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
