Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Winston-Salem is 18% cheaper than Newport News.

$1,033/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↑ 24%
$57,673/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↑ 16%
$208,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$243,300 ↑ 17%
$1,040/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↑ 28%
250,887
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $252/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $3,024/year.

Median household income is $9,045/year higher in Newport News. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Winston-Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Newport News — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 87 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Newport News?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $252/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Newport News?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $9,045/year higher in Newport News.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/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 Winston-Salem details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Newport News

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale 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