Moving from Independence, MO to Newport News, VA
The drive from Independence, MO to Newport News, VA runs 1127 mi β about 21h 5m 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.
1127 mi Β· 21h 5m by car Β· VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, SR 62 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Evansville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 5.8% pricier overall in Newport News than Independence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Newport News typical home at $290,660 is 5.8% above Independence at $208,158 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 45.1" |
Climate warms by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 54.0Β°F β 59.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.44 |
Income steps up 5.8%: $59,480 in Independence vs $66,718 in Newport News.
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 Missouri 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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Independence 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 1127 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newport News more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 5.8% higher than Independence (97.941 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $59,480 in Independence β a 12.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Newport News, VA from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1127 mi and the route typically takes 21h 5m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $208,158 in Independence β a 39.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Newport News, VA.