Median rent is 2% lower in Newport ($1,612/mo vs $1,649/mo). Buying is cheaper in Virginia Beach, where the median home runs $366,300 versus $669,500. Households earn more in Virginia Beach ($90,685 vs $83,562 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (97.9).
City A
Newport, RI
City B
Virginia Beach, VA
How much would you need to earn in Virginia Beach, VA to maintain your standard of living from Newport, RI?
Equivalent salary in Virginia Beach, VA
$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
Virginia Beach
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,612/mo in Newport and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach. Home buyers face a steeper market in Newport: the median home is $669,500 versus $366,300 in Virginia Beach — 45% 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 5.75% in Virginia, so Virginia Beach is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Rhode Island and 5.30% in Virginia; Virginia Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Newport
Income tax: 5.99%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Virginia Beach
Income tax: 5.75%
Sales tax: 5.30%
Air quality data is available for Virginia Beach (avg AQI 55.0) but not yet for Newport.
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($90,685/yr).
Pick Virginia Beach if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.75%).
Is Newport cheaper than Virginia Beach?
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 Virginia Beach?
Median rent is $1,612/mo in Newport, RI and $1,649/mo in Virginia Beach, VA. Newport, RI has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Newport or Virginia Beach?
Median household income is $83,562 in Newport, RI and $90,685 in Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, 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 or Virginia Beach?
Rhode Island's top income tax rate is 5.99% and Virginia's is 5.75%. Virginia Beach, VA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, 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