Median rent is 7% lower in Newport News ($1,285/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newport News, where the median home runs $243,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $66,718 a year). Taken together, Newport News is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Newport News is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.9 in Newport News vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Newport News, VA
How much would you need to earn in Newport News, VA to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Newport News, VA
$69,465
You could earn $5,535 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Newport News
Virginia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Newport News at $1,285/mo compared to $1,380/mo in Chicago (7% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $243,300 in Newport News — 23% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Chicago is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 5.30% in Virginia; Newport News has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Newport News
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Chicago has cleaner air on average: 21.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Newport News if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 97.9 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 21.0).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Newport News?
Newport News is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Newport News.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Newport News?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,285/mo in Newport News, VA. Newport News, VA has the lower rent by about 7%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Newport News?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $66,718 in Newport News, VA. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Chicago, IL has better air quality on average: 21.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Newport News?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Chicago, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newport News to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $92,620 in Newport News, VA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology