Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Jersey City is 70% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,902/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 32%
$94,813/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 30%
$534,500 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 54%
$2,006/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 34%
289,691
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $617/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $7,404/year.

Median household income is $28,095/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Newport News — common questions

Is Jersey City 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 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Newport News?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $617/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Newport News?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $28,095/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Newport News details →

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