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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Newport News is 7% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,285/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 6%
$66,718/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 32%
$243,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 3%
$1,328/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 12%
184,774
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $71/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $852/year.

Median household income is $21,107/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Newport News or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Gainesville?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $71/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Gainesville?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $21,107/year higher in Newport News.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newport News and Gainesville

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 Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia