Cost of living, taxes, and quality of life compared for 2026, with a verdict.
Pennsylvania vs Virginia comes down to what you value. Pennsylvania is the more affordable of the two, its cost of living runs about 5% lower than Virginia, so the same paycheck stretches further. Virginia ranks higher overall on our Best Life Rank (#1 vs #16), balancing cost against quality of life. Pennsylvania is strongest on safety and weakest on air quality; Virginia is strongest on climate and weakest on healthcare.
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| BLISS score (cost) | 0.95 5% below average | 1.00 0% below average |
| Best Life Rank | #16 | #1 |
| Cost of living | #25 | #30 |
| Climate | #19 | #4 |
| Healthcare | #23 | #22 |
| Schools | #17 | #5 |
| Safety | #16 | #12 |
| Economy | #31 | #12 |
| Air quality | #49 | #22 |
Ranks are out of 50 states (#1 = best). BLISS score is a cost-of-living multiplier where 1.00 = the U.S. average; lower is cheaper. Green = the better of the two.
To live the way $100,000 does in Pennsylvania, you'd need about $105,500 in Virginia.
To live the way $100,000 does in Virginia, you'd need about $95,000 in Pennsylvania.
Based on each state's BLISS cost score. See your real after-tax paycheck in each state below.
On $80,000 a year, your estimated take-home pay is about $62,654 in Pennsylvania and $61,256 in Virginia after federal tax, FICA, and state income tax.
Calculate your exact number with the Pennsylvania paycheck calculator or the Virginia paycheck calculator.
Simplified 2026 estimate for a single filer taking the standard deduction, before local taxes, benefits, and credits.
Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Pennsylvania taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Enter your salary and get your actual paycheck after Virginia taxes.
Calculate my take-home pay ›Pennsylvania is cheaper. Its cost of living is about 5% lower, reflected in a BLISS score of 0.95 versus 1.00. A lower BLISS score means your paycheck goes further.
On our Best Life Rank, which balances cost against climate, healthcare, schools, safety, economy and air quality, Virginia ranks higher (#1 vs #16). But 'better' depends on your priorities, Virginia leads on climate, and Pennsylvania does not come out ahead on any of the six.
Because of the cost-of-living difference, $100,000 in Pennsylvania is roughly equivalent to $105,500 in Virginia for the same lifestyle. See each state's real after-tax take-home pay with our paycheck guides linked above.