Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Newport News is 32% cheaper than Charleston.

$1,285/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 27%
$66,718/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 35%
$243,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 93%
$1,328/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 27%
184,774
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $347/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $4,164/year.

Median household income is $23,320/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Charleston — common questions

Is Newport News or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Charleston?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $347/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Charleston?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $23,320/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Charleston details →

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