Moving from Clarksville, TN to Newport News, VA
The drive from Clarksville, TN to Newport News, VA runs 729 mi β about 13h 31m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
729 mi Β· 13h 31m by car Β· VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clarksville | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.947 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.546 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.801 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Newport News is 7.7% higher than Clarksville, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Newport News is 7.7% below Clarksville ($290,660 vs $318,206 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Clarksville -0.4%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clarksville | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.5" | 45.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Clarksville (59.2Β°F) and Newport News (59.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clarksville | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 171,897 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $66,786 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.65 | 2.44 |
Median household incomes in Clarksville ($66,786) and Newport News ($66,718) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newport News MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Tennessee and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Clarksville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $318,206 in Clarksville β a 8.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Clarksville to Newport News?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 729 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Clarksville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 96,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Newport News, VA from Clarksville, TN?
The driving distance is 729 mi and the route typically takes 13h 31m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Newport News more expensive than Clarksville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 7.7% higher than Clarksville (97.941 vs 90.947, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Clarksville vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $66,786 in Clarksville β a 0.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clarksville.
City profiles: Clarksville, TN Β· Newport News, VA.