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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Newport News is 9% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,285/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 10%
$66,718/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 17%
$243,300 ≈ Same
Home Value
$243,500 ≈ Same
$1,328/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 12%
184,774
Population
138,019

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
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $11,065/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Columbia — common questions

Is Newport News or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Columbia?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Columbia?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $11,065/year higher in Newport News.
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 Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newport News and Columbia

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 Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids