Newport News, VA vs Richmond, VA

Newport News is moderately more affordable than Richmond, with a 8% lower cost of living index. Newport News scores 93 compared to 101 for Richmond, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Richmond can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month compared to $1,314/month in Richmond — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Newport News is more affordable at $243,300 median vs $328,100.

Median household income in Newport News is $66,718 compared to $62,671 in Richmond (+6.5%). 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 25.2% in Richmond.