Median rent is 47% lower in Norfolk ($850/mo vs $1,612/mo). Buying is cheaper in Norfolk, where the median home runs $199,100 versus $669,500. Households earn more in Newport ($83,562 vs $62,175 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (97.9).
City A
Newport, RI
City B
Norfolk, NE
How much would you need to earn in Norfolk, NE to maintain your standard of living from Newport, RI?
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
Rhode Island
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 $1,612/mo in Newport, a 47% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newport: the median home is $669,500 versus $199,100 in Norfolk — 70% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Rhode Island's top income tax rate is 5.99% versus 5.84% in Nebraska, so Norfolk is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Rhode Island and 5.50% in Nebraska; Norfolk has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Newport
Income tax: 5.99%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Norfolk
Income tax: 5.84%
Sales tax: 5.50%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Newport if you prioritize higher median household income ($83,562/yr).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize cheaper rent ($850/mo median).
Pick Norfolk if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.84%).
Is Newport cheaper than Norfolk?
Newport 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.
How much is rent in Newport vs Norfolk?
Median rent is $1,612/mo in Newport, RI and $850/mo in Norfolk, NE. Norfolk, NE has the lower rent by about 47%.
Which has higher salaries — Newport or Norfolk?
Median household income is $83,562 in Newport, RI and $62,175 in Norfolk, NE. Newport, RI 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 or Norfolk?
Rhode Island's top income tax rate is 5.99% and Nebraska's is 5.84%. Norfolk, NE has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Norfolk to match my Newport income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newport, RI 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