Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Raleigh is 26% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,468/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 12%
$82,424/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 19%
$377,800 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 36%
$1,487/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 11%
470,763
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $15,706/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Newport News — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Newport News?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Newport News?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $15,706/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Newport News details →

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