Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Newport News is 4% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,285/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 6%
$66,718/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 6%
$243,300 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 10%
$1,328/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 1%
184,774
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
6.4%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $3,929/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Newport News or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and North Charleston?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or North Charleston?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $3,929/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and South Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View North Charleston details →

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