Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Virginia Beach is 34% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,649/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 22%
$90,685/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 26%
$366,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 34%
$1,704/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 22%
457,066
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $23,967/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Virginia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Newport News — common questions

Is Virginia Beach 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 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Newport News?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Newport News?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $23,967/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Virginia?
Both cities are in Virginia and share the same state tax rates: 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Newport News details →

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