Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Tampa is 30% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,567/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 18%
$71,302/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 6%
$375,300 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 35%
$1,553/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 14%
393,389
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $4,584/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Newport News — common questions

Is Tampa 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 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Newport News?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Newport News?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $4,584/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Newport News details →

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