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

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Chicago is 15% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,380/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 7%
$75,134/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 11%
$315,200 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 23%
$1,502/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 12%
2,707,648
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $8,416/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Newport News — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Newport News?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Newport News?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $8,416/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Virginia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

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