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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Newport News is 36% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,285/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 43%
$66,718/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 27%
$243,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 97%
$1,328/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 35%
184,774
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newport News, VA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $557/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $6,684/year.

Median household income is $17,899/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Newport News or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $557/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $17,899/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Santa Maria details →

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