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

Newport News

Virginia
87
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Newport News is 49% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,285/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 62%
$66,718/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 46%
$243,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 182%
$1,328/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 60%
184,774
Population
177,216

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 Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $30,692/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newport News is $243,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newport News vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Newport News or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newport News and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Newport News or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $30,692/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Newport News has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,285/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newport News details → View Santa Rosa details →

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