Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Newport News?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Newport News, you need to earn at least $58,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $63,355, which means the typical resident is $5,075 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 185,118

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,020	$3,400	$40,800	$-22,555
1 Bedroom	$1,209	$4,030	$48,360	$-14,995
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,457	$4,857	$58,280	$-5,075
3 Bedroom	$1,778	$5,927	$71,120	+$7,765
4 Bedroom	$2,186	$7,287	$87,440	+$24,085

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Newport News's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$63,355

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$58,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$5,075

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 27.6%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Newport News

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Newport News's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,584

Studio

$1,020/mo

1 BR

$1,209/mo

2 BR

$1,457/mo

3 BR

$1,778/mo

4 BR

$2,186/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Newport News.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Newport News's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Newport News

Renting in Newport News, Virginia is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $58,280/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $63,355, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,209/month) or studio ($1,020/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in Newport News pushes the required income to $71,120.

For comfortable living in Newport News without financial stress, target a household income of at least $87,420 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Virginia's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Newport News, Virginia.

With a total population of 185,118, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 84,879 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $58,280 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

84,879

Active civilian employees in Newport News

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Newport News

What salary do I need to live in Newport News, Virginia?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Newport News under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $58,280. The median household income in Newport News is $63,355.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Newport News on $63,355?

The affordability verdict for Newport News is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 27.6%, meaning median earners have a $5,075 surplus.

What is the average rent in Newport News compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Newport News is $1,209/month. With a median household income of $63,355, residents spend approximately 27.6% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Newport News?

A studio in Newport News rents for approximately $1,020/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $40,800 to afford this.

Is Newport News considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $5,075 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", Newport News is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $58,280 to the local median household income.

How Newport News Compares

Other cities in Virginia with salary requirements