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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Newport News is 30% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,285/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 32%
$66,718/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 14%
$243,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 68%
$1,328/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 31%
184,774
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $9,365/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Newport News or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Lancaster?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Lancaster?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $9,365/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Lancaster details →

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