Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Virginia Beach is 48% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,649/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 23%
$90,685/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
$366,300 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 48%
$1,704/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 27%
457,066
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $37,282/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Allentown — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Allentown?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Allentown?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $37,282/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Pennsylvania?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Virginia Beach details → View Allentown details →

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