Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Newark is 15% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,330/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 3%
$48,416/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 38%
$337,800 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 28%
$1,419/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 6%
307,188
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,302/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Newport News slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Newport News — common questions

Is Newark 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Newport News?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Newport News?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $18,302/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Newport News details →

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