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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Fresno is 16% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,324/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 3%
$66,804/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$66,718/yr ≈ Same
$348,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 30%
$1,391/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 5%
543,615
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $86/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Newport News — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Newport News?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $39/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Newport News?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $86/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Newport News details →

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