Cost of Living in Newport News, VA
Population 184,774 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Newport News's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $66,718 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Newport News
The median home value in Newport News is $243,300 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,285/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,718/year is 11% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 69.5°F and lows of 49.5°F. Overall, Newport News has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 49 | 53 | 59 | 70 | 77 | 85 | 88 | 87 | 81 | 71 | 61 | 53 |
| Low °F | 31 | 32 | 38 | 47 | 56 | 65 | 70 | 68 | 63 | 51 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.05 | 2.58 | 3.35 | 3.08 | 3.66 | 4.07 | 4.69 | 5.36 | 4.95 | 4.16 | 3.00 | 3.19 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Newport News, VA?
Newport News has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.
What is average rent in Newport News, VA?
The median gross rent in Newport News is $1,285 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Newport News?
The median home value in Newport News is $243,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Newport News?
The median household income in Newport News is $66,718 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Newport News, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Newport News is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Newport News, VA affordable?
Yes, Newport News is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Newport News?
Newport News has average high temperatures of 69.5°F and average lows of 49.5°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Newport News at a Glance
- Population
- 184,774
- Median Income
- $66,718
- Home Value
- $243,300
- Median Rent
- $1,285/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs