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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Newport News is 72% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,285/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 132%
$66,718/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 160%
$243,300 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 528%
$1,328/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 130%
184,774
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,700/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $20,400/year.

Median household income is $106,952/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Newport News or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,700/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $106,952/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Santa Clara details →

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