Newport News, VA vs Virginia Beach, VA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Newport News is 18.5% cheaper than Virginia Beach. With a cost index of 93 vs 114, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Newport News to Virginia Beach should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Newport News is $1,285/month compared to $1,649/month in Virginia Beach — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Newport News is more affordable at $243,300 median vs $366,300.

Median household income in Newport News is $66,718 compared to $90,685 in Virginia Beach (-26.4%). While Virginia Beach 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, more than the 21.8% in Virginia Beach.