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

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Chesapeake is 29% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,523/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 16%
$94,189/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 29%
$359,100 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 32%
$1,680/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 21%
251,153
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $238/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $2,856/year.

Median household income is $27,471/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Newport News — common questions

Is Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake and Newport News?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $238/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Newport News?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $27,471/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Newport News details →

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