Newport News, VA vs Norfolk, VA

Newport News, VA and Norfolk, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Newport News scores 93 while Norfolk scores 94 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month compared to $1,246/month in Norfolk — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Norfolk has cheaper rent, Newport News actually has lower median home values ($243,300 vs $271,900).

Median household income in Newport News is $66,718 compared to $64,017 in Norfolk (+4.2%). Newport News offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Newport News spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, less than the 23.4% in Norfolk.