Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Austin is 54% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,655/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 22%
$91,461/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 27%
$512,700 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 53%
$1,747/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 24%
967,862
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $24,743/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Newport News — common questions

Is Austin or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Newport News?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Newport News?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $24,743/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Virginia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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.
View Austin details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Newport News

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Newport News vs. Mobile Newport News vs. Shreveport Newport News vs. Paradise Newport News vs. Fort Lauderdale Newport News vs. Tempe Newport News vs. Chattanooga