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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

San Jose is 192% more expensive than Newport News.

$2,617/mo ↑ 104%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 51%
$141,565/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 53%
$1,187,800 ↑ 388%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 80%
$2,775/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 52%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,332/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $15,984/year.

Median household income is $74,847/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Newport News — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Newport News?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $1,332/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Newport News?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $74,847/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Newport News details →

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