Skyline of Newport News
Cost of Living: 95 180,000

Newport News, VA, US

Hampton Roads city with Newport News Shipbuilding and the Mariners' Museum.

Updated July 19, 2026
Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 100

Affordable

Median Income $55,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.8%

Job market health

Newport News vs US Average

Cost of Living
Newport News: 95
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Newport News: 100
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Newport News: 5.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.8%
  • Sales Tax: 6.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $55,000
  • Unemployment: 3.8%
  • Population: 180,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 210/year
  • Summer High: 88°F
  • Winter Low: 34°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $280,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1200/mo

Cost of Living

Newport News's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).

CategoryNewport NewsNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing1001000.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$280,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft$186

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Newport News:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$110Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$5Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$6Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$261Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Newport News

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,440/mo.

Newport News Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,320/mo.

East Newport News

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,080/mo.

West Newport News

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,140/mo.

Remote Work Score

Newport News scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
$1200
Sunny Days
210
Tax
5.75%
Unemployment
3.8%
Climate
88°F / 34°F

Climate

Newport News has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January54°F34°F2.5"
April73°F49°F2.8"
July88°F63°F1.5"
October68°F52°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.75%
  • Sales Tax: 6%
  • Property Tax: ~1% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Newport News, VA, US?

The cost of living index in Newport News is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Newport News?

The median home price in Newport News is $280,000. The housing index is 100.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Newport News is approximately $1200/mo.

Does Newport News, VA have income tax?

Newport News is in VA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.

What is the climate like in Newport News?

Newport News enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.