Newport News, VA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Amazon Prime Day 2026

Exclusive Deals for Your New Home

🛒 Shop Prime Day Deals Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Newport News, VA Utility & Living Guide

Living in Newport News, VA offers a unique blend of coastal living, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions in a city with a rich history and a strong sense of community

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$280/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
Sales Tax7%
COL Index102 (+2% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Newport News
Loading weather...
📷 Live Cameras — Newport News
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Newport News
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Newport News?

Moving to Newport News? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Dominion Energy
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Newport News Waterworks
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead $280/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.14%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Newport News is relatively stable, with a mix of older and newer homes, and a range of prices to suit different budgets. The city has seen some growth in recent years, with new developments and renovations in areas like downtown and the waterfront. However, the market can be competitive, especially for affordable housing options.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

102

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+2% above national average

Groceries

101

Transportation

96

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7%
Property Tax Rate1.14%
<p>State 4.3% + Local 2.7%</p>

Virginia has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+5% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, crime, affordable housing
🚌 Transit for Families

Newport News has a relatively walkable downtown area and some public transportation options, but stroller-friendly infrastructure is limited in some areas

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Virginia Living Museum
  • 🎯
    Newport News Park
  • 🎯
    Peninsula Fine Arts Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods like Hilton Village and Lee Hall are popular with families, offering a mix of historic homes, parks, and community amenities. Other areas like Kiln Creek and Port Warwick also offer a range of housing options and family-friendly activities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Newport News based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Live Local News

Newport News has regulations in place for zoning, building permits, and environmental protection, among other areas

Newport News is seeing growth in its tech industry, with major employers like NASA and the Department of Defense, and a growing number of startups and small businesses. The city is also investing in infrastructure and amenities to support its growing population and economy.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Newport News — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

In the summer, utility costs in Newport News can be higher due to air conditioning usage, while in the winter, costs may be lower due to milder temperatures. However, residents can expect to pay more for heating in extremely cold snaps, which can occur occasionally in the area.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates range from 1.04 to 1.24, with some local surtaxes applying to certain areas

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Newport News has some sidewalks and parks, but stroller-friendly infrastructure is limited in some areas, and elevator access in transit can be inconsistent

🏠 Planning Your Move?

Shop moving supplies, storage solutions and home essentials

🛒 Shop on Amazon — Prime Day Deals

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.