Newport News vs West Valley City
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Newport News
West Valley City
The Verdict
Living in Newport News costs 14.0% less than West Valley City. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Newport News, you would need $87,228 in West Valley City.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Newport News has the same purchasing power as $87,228 in West Valley City.
Conversely, $75,000 in West Valley City equals $64,486 in Newport News.
Living in Newport News vs West Valley City
Housing Costs
Newport News's housing index of 75 is lower West Valley City's 129, translating to median home prices of $261,000 vs $485,000. The $224,000 difference in home prices means roughly $14,556 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,175/mo in Newport News compared to $1,350/mo in West Valley City, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Newport News and 100 in West Valley City. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Newport News vs $475/month in West Valley City. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 104 in Newport News and 88 in West Valley City. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Newport News vs $352 in West Valley City. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 111 in Newport News and 95 in West Valley City. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $69,600 in Newport News and $72,600 in West Valley City. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $75,652 and $67,850 respectively. Newport News residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,624/month to housing in Newport News vs $1,694/month in West Valley City. In Newport News, median rent of $1,175/mo fits within this budget. In West Valley City, median rent of $1,350/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 54 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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