Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Newport News is 45% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,285/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 38%
$66,718/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 20%
$243,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 87%
$1,328/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 34%
184,774
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $491/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $5,892/year.

Median household income is $13,217/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Newport News or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $491/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $13,217/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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