Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Lexington is 6% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,101/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 17%
$67,631/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 1%
$272,100 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 11%
$1,160/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 14%
321,122
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $913/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Newport News — common questions

Is Lexington or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Newport News?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Newport News?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $913/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Virginia?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Newport News

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Newport News vs. Mobile Newport News vs. Shreveport Newport News vs. Paradise Newport News vs. Fort Lauderdale Newport News vs. Tempe Newport News vs. Chattanooga