Median rent is 32% lower in Newport News ($1,285/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newport News, where the median home runs $243,300 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $66,718 a year). Taken together, Newport News is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.9 against 113.3 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Newport News is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 97.9 in Newport News vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Newport News, VA
How much would you need to earn in Newport News, VA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Newport News, VA
$64,805
You could earn $10,195 less (14% 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
Los Angeles
California
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Newport News — median rent of $1,285/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 32% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $243,300 in Newport News — 72% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 5.75% in Virginia, so Newport News is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 5.30% in Virginia; Newport News has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Newport News
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Newport News has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 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 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Newport News if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,285/mo median).
Pick Newport News if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Newport News?
Newport News is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Newport News.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Newport News?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,285/mo in Newport News, VA. Newport News, VA has the lower rent by about 32%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Newport News?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $66,718 in Newport News, VA. Los Angeles, CA 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?
Newport News, VA has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Newport News?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Newport News, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newport News to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $86,406 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