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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

San Diego is 126% more expensive than Newport News.

$2,223/mo ↑ 73%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 42%
$104,321/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 36%
$848,500 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 71%
$2,308/mo ↑ 74%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 42%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $938/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $11,256/year.

Median household income is $37,603/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Newport News — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Newport News?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $938/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Newport News?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $37,603/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Newport News details →

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