Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Newport News, VA (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

St. Petersburg is 22% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,542/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 17%
$73,118/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 9%
$331,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 27%
$1,435/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 7%
260,646
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $6,400/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Newport News — common questions

Is St. Petersburg 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 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Newport News?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Newport News?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $6,400/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Virginia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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 St. Petersburg details → View Newport News details →

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