Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Newport News is 65% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,285/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 66%
$66,718/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 63%
$243,300 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 455%
$1,328/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 76%
184,774
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $842/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $10,104/year.

Median household income is $41,840/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Newport News or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Berkeley?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $842/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Berkeley?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $41,840/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newport News and Berkeley

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 Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach