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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Newport News is 33% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,285/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 35%
$66,718/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 22%
$243,300 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 79%
$1,328/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 38%
184,774
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $451/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $5,412/year.

Median household income is $14,433/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Newport News or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Palmdale?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $451/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Palmdale?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $14,433/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

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