Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Newport News

Virginia

Albuquerque is 7% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,085/mo ↓ 16%

Median Rent

$1,285/mo ↑ 18%

$65,604/yr ↓ 2%

Median Income

$66,718/yr ↑ 2%

$266,700 ↑ 10%

Home Value

$243,300 ↓ 9%

$1,149/mo ↓ 13%

Owner Costs

$1,328/mo ↑ 16%

562,488

Population

184,774

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

5.75%

5.0%

Sales Tax

5.3%

0.67%

Property Tax

0.8%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $200/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,400/year.

Median household income is $1,114/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Newport News slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Newport News — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Newport News cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 87 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Newport News?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $200/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Newport News?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $1,114/year higher in Newport News.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Virginia?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Newport News?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.