Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Boise is 29% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,359/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 5%
$81,308/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 18%
$456,000 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 47%
$1,337/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ≈ Same
235,701
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $14,590/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Newport News — common questions

Is Boise 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 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Newport News?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Newport News?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $14,590/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Virginia?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Newport News details →

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