Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Birmingham is 29% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,047/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 23%
$44,376/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 50%
$138,600 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 76%
$991/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 34%
199,322
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $22,342/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Newport News — common questions

Is Birmingham or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Newport News?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Newport News?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $22,342/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Newport News details →

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