Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Newport News, VA (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Newport News

Virginia
87

Worcester is 20% more expensive than Newport News.

$1,415/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,285/mo ↓ 9%
$67,544/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$66,718/yr ↓ 1%
$339,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$243,300 ↓ 28%
$1,521/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,328/mo ↓ 13%
205,501
Population
184,774

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Newport News, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 87 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $130/month cheaper in Newport News, saving renters about $1,560/year.

Median household income is $826/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $243,300 in Newport News.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Newport News — common questions

Is Worcester 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 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Newport News?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Newport News it's $1,285/month — a difference of $130/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Newport News?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $66,718 in Newport News. Median household income is $826/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Virginia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Newport News?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Newport News details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Newport News

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock 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