Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Washington is 97% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,900/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 32%
$106,287/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 37%
$724,600 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 66%
$2,103/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 37%
672,079
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $39,569/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Newport News slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Newport News — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Newport News?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Newport News?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $39,569/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Virginia?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Newport News

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland 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