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

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Detroit is 39% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,034/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 24%
$39,575/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 69%
$76,800 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 217%
$868/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 53%
636,644
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $27,143/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Newport News — common questions

Is Detroit or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Newport News?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Newport News?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $27,143/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Virginia?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

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