Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Hayward, CA (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Hayward

California
200

Newport News is 56% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,285/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 84%
$66,718/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 71%
$243,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 237%
$1,328/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 82%
184,774
Population
159,201

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,075/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $12,900/year.

Median household income is $47,057/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Hayward — common questions

Is Newport News or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Hayward?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,075/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Hayward?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $47,057/year higher in Hayward.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Hayward details →

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