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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Irvine is 194% more expensive than Newport News.

$2,893/mo ↑ 125%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 56%
$129,647/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 49%
$1,115,400 ↑ 358%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 78%
$2,904/mo ↑ 119%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 54%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,608/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $19,296/year.

Median household income is $62,929/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Newport News — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Newport News?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $1,608/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Newport News?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $62,929/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Newport News details →

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