Cost of Living: Newport News, VA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Newport News is 4% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,285/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 16%
$66,718/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 1%
$243,300 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 2%
$1,328/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 9%
184,774
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $803/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Newport News or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $803/year higher in Palm Bay.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Florida?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Newport News or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Palm Bay details →

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