Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Memphis is 22% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,123/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 14%
$51,211/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 30%
$157,100 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 55%
$1,087/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 22%
629,063
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $15,507/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Newport News — common questions

Is Memphis or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Newport News?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Newport News?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $15,507/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Virginia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Newport News details →

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