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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Oakland is 124% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,917/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 33%
$97,369/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 31%
$924,700 ↑ 280%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 74%
$2,164/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 39%
438,072
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $632/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $7,584/year.

Median household income is $30,651/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Newport News — common questions

Is Oakland or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newport News is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Newport News?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $632/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Newport News?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $30,651/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Newport News has a cost index of 87 with rent of $1,285/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Oakland details → View Newport News details →

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