Salary Needed to Live in Newport News as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $57,194/year to live comfortably in Newport News, VA, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $57,194/year to live comfortably in Newport News, VA. The bare-minimum salary is $49,568/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,495.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,098/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,766/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$57,194
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$49,568
$4,131/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,098
14% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Newport News
| Expense | Newport News | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $937 | $1,351 | -31% |
| Groceries | $254 | $207 | +23% |
| Utilities | $155 | $169 | -8% |
| Transportation | $289 | $316 | -9% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $223 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $694 | $672 | +3% |
| Internet | $61 | $65 | -6% |
| Phone | $80 | $85 | -6% |
| Dining & Social | $282 | $300 | -6% |
| Entertainment | $113 | $120 | -6% |
| Personal Care | $71 | $75 | -5% |
| Total Monthly | $3,098 | $3,583 | -14% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,098
Target savings (10%):$397/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,495
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$57,194
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$937
Studio/1BR rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus VA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$397/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Newport News is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep studio/1br housing near $937/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $607/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $49,568/year as the survival floor and $57,194/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Newport News
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Newport News?
A single person needs approximately $57,194/year ($4,766/month gross) to live comfortably in Newport News with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Newport News?
A studio/1br in Newport News costs approximately $937/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Newport News affordable for a single person?
Yes, Newport News is 14% more affordable than the national average for a single person.