Newport News, VA vs Portsmouth, VA

Newport News, VA and Portsmouth, VA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Newport News scores 93 while Portsmouth scores 91 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 $1,266/month in Portsmouth — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Portsmouth is more affordable at $229,400 median vs $243,300.

Median household income in Newport News is $66,718 compared to $58,972 in Portsmouth (+13.1%). While Newport News is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Newport News spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.8% in Portsmouth.