Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Buffalo is 30% cheaper than Newport News.

$989/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 30%
$48,050/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 39%
$152,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 60%
$929/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 43%
276,397
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $18,668/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Newport News — common questions

Is Buffalo or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Newport News?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Newport News?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $18,668/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Newport News details →

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