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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Columbus is 5% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,224/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 5%
$65,327/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 2%
$234,500 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 4%
$1,243/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 7%
906,480
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $1,391/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Newport News — common questions

Is Columbus or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Newport News?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Newport News?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $1,391/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Virginia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Newport News details →

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