Median rent is 34% lower in Norfolk ($850/mo vs $1,285/mo). Buying is cheaper in Norfolk, where the median home runs $199,100 versus $243,300. Households earn more in Newport News ($66,718 vs $62,175 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (97.9).
City A
Newport News, VA
City B
Norfolk, NE
How much would you need to earn in Norfolk, NE to maintain your standard of living from Newport News, VA?
Equivalent salary in Norfolk, NE
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Newport News
Virginia
Norfolk
Nebraska
👥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 Norfolk — median rent of $850/mo versus $1,285/mo in Newport News, a 34% difference. Median home values are within 18% of each other: $243,300 in Newport News and $199,100 in Norfolk.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% versus 5.84% in Nebraska, so Newport News is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 5.30% in Virginia and 5.50% in Nebraska; Newport News has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Newport News
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Norfolk
Income tax: 5.84%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Air quality data is available for Newport News (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Norfolk.
Pick Newport News if you prioritize higher median household income ($66,718/yr).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize cheaper rent ($850/mo median).
Pick Newport News if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Newport News cheaper than Norfolk?
Newport News is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.9 versus 97.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Newport News.
How much is rent in Newport News vs Norfolk?
Median rent is $1,285/mo in Newport News, VA and $850/mo in Norfolk, NE. Norfolk, NE has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Newport News or Norfolk?
Median household income is $66,718 in Newport News, VA and $62,175 in Norfolk, NE. Newport News, VA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Newport News or Norfolk?
Virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75% and Nebraska's is 5.84%. Newport News, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Norfolk to match my Newport News income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newport News, VA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Norfolk, NE (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