Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Newport News, VA (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

New Orleans is 3% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,211/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 6%
$55,339/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 21%
$296,400 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 18%
$1,274/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 4%
376,035
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $11,379/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Newport News — common questions

Is New Orleans 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 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Newport News?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Newport News?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $11,379/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Virginia?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Newport News

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim 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