Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Tempe is 33% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,623/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 21%
$77,643/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 14%
$421,900 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 42%
$1,554/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 15%
186,419
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $10,925/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Newport News — common questions

Is Tempe 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 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Newport News?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Newport News?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $10,925/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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.
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