City Comparison

Arlington vs Newport News: How they compare

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. Both are strong options, but the details matter. Here is how they compare across price, schools, commute, taxes, walkability, and safety.

Market Overview

Arlington is pricier ($750K median vs $270K), a difference of about $480K. Arlington moves faster, with homes averaging 10 days on market compared to 26 in Newport News. Newport News offers a lower entry point at $100K–$700K.

Arlington

VA

Newport News

VA

Median Price

$750K

$270K

Avg Days on Market

10 days

26 days

Price Range

$350K–$2.5M

$100K–$700K

Top Neighborhoods

Ballston, Clarendon, Crystal City, Pentagon City

Hilton Village, Oyster Point, Denbigh, Kiln Creek

VA

Find agents in Arlington

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Arlington.

View agents

VA

Find agents in Newport News

Browse verified agents with real sales data in Newport News.

View agents

Related Comparisons

See how other nearby cities stack up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arlington or Newport News more affordable?

Newport News is more affordable with a median home price of $270K, compared to $750K in Arlington. Both cities offer a wide range of housing options, from condos and townhomes to single-family homes. Arlington prices range from $350K–$2.5M. Newport News prices range from $100K–$700K.

How do Arlington and Newport News compare?

Arlington offers urban energy with a neighborhood feel. Newport News stretches from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay, anchored by Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the nation's largest industrial employers. The right choice depends on your priorities: budget, commute length, home types, and neighborhood feel. smover can connect you with a verified agent in either city.

Market data verified by smover using real transaction records. School data from Virginia DOE, Maryland MSDE, and DC OSSE public reports. Property tax rates from Virginia Dept. of Taxation (2024). Walkability scores from Walk Score (2024). Crime data from FBI UCR and Virginia State Police (2023). Commute times are approximate rush-hour estimates. Updated June 2026.

Stay ahead of the market

Join buyers, sellers, and agents across Northern Virginia getting weekly market updates, new listings, and tips. Free, every Monday.

Trusted in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and 19 more cities

Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your inbox.

Take ownership of your move.

You choose the home, the agent, the lender. We take care of everything in between.

Arlington vs Newport News: Compare Real Estate, Schools, Commute (2026) | smover