71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Newport News wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Newport News wins 1–2 overall (72/100)
💰 Newport News is more affordable
💼 Newport News has lower unemployment
🛡️ Newport News has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Newport News — The Verdict
Newport News scores 72.5/100 compared to Houston's 71.2/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. Housing costs are nearly identical between the two cities. For safety-conscious movers, Newport News has a notably lower disaster history with 10 fewer declarations in 20 years.
💡 Key Differences
📊
Newport News has a 0.7 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Newport News has experienced 10 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$233,400
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$1,209
Median Income
$60,440
$63,355
Housing costs are remarkably similar between these two cities — just 1% apart on median home values. Your decision here will likely come down to other factors like jobs and climate.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
3.6%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Newport News having a slight edge at 3.6% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
11
Newport News has a markedly lower disaster history — 10 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Newport News: Common Questions
Is Houston or Newport News cheaper to live in?
Newport News is more affordable overall. Home prices are $1,600 lower in Newport News. Monthly rent is $1,209 in Newport News vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Newport News have better weather?
Newport News scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Newport News better for finding a job?
Newport News currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 3.6% in Newport News. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $63,355 in Newport News.
Which city is safer — Houston or Newport News?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Newport News is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 11 in Newport News. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Newport News.
Should I move from Houston to Newport News?
Based on our data, Newport News scores 72.5/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Newport News is more affordable, while Newport News has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.