Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Montgomery is 26% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,059/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 21%
$55,687/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 20%
$148,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 64%
$1,023/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 30%
198,440
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $11,031/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Newport News — common questions

Is Montgomery or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Newport News?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Newport News?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $11,031/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Newport News details →

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