Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Seattle is 125% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,998/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 36%
$121,984/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 45%
$912,100 ↑ 275%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 73%
$2,220/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 40%
741,440
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $55,266/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Newport News — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Newport News?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Newport News?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $55,266/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Virginia?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Newport News details →

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