Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Newport News is 64% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,285/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 113%
$66,718/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 90%
$243,300 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 328%
$1,328/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 98%
184,774
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,457/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $17,484/year.

Median household income is $59,751/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Newport News or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Cambridge?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,457/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Cambridge?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $59,751/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Massachusetts?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Cambridge details →

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