Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Baltimore is 3% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,290/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ≈ Same
$59,623/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 12%
$219,300 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 11%
$1,333/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ≈ Same
577,193
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,095/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Newport News — common questions

Is Baltimore or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Newport News?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Newport News?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $7,095/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Virginia?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Newport News details →

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