Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Newport News is 13% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,285/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 17%
$66,718/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 8%
$243,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 3%
$1,328/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 20%
184,774
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $5,264/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Newport News or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Lafayette?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Lafayette?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,264/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Lafayette details →

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