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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Tacoma is 45% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,597/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 20%
$83,857/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 20%
$454,600 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 46%
$1,747/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 24%
220,482
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $17,139/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Newport News — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Newport News?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Newport News?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $17,139/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tacoma and Newport News

Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville Newport News vs. Mobile Newport News vs. Shreveport Newport News vs. Paradise Newport News vs. Fort Lauderdale Newport News vs. Tempe Newport News vs. Chattanooga