Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Newport News is 34% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,285/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 33%
$66,718/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 48%
$243,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 99%
$1,328/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 21%
184,774
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.8%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $31,968/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Meridian — common questions

Is Newport News or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Meridian?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Meridian?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $31,968/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Idaho?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Meridian details →

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