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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Santa Ana is 87% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,975/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 35%
$88,354/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 24%
$657,800 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 63%
$1,965/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 32%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $21,636/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Newport News — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Newport News?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Newport News?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $21,636/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Newport News details →

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