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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Louisville is 15% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,069/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 20%
$64,731/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 3%
$221,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 10%
$1,118/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 19%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $1,987/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Newport News — common questions

Is Louisville or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Newport News?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Newport News?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $1,987/year higher in Newport News.
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 Louisville or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

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