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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

San Francisco is 207% more expensive than Newport News.

$2,419/mo ↑ 88%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 47%
$141,446/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 53%
$1,380,500 ↑ 467%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 82%
$2,620/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 49%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,134/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $13,608/year.

Median household income is $74,728/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs Newport News — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Newport News?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $1,134/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Newport News?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $74,728/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Newport News details →

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