Moving from Little Rock, AR to Newport News, VA
It is 1036 mi between Little Rock and Newport News β roughly 18h 59m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1036 mi Β· 18h 59m by car Β· AR β TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | AR β TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Richmond, Hampton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.6% above Little Rock β 89.364 β 97.941 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Little Rock | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 45.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.44 |
Households in Newport News earn about 9.6% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Arkansas 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see 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 Little Rock 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 1036 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 Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 9.6% higher than Little Rock (97.941 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $60,583 in Little Rock β a 10.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 345,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $216,519 in Little Rock β a 34.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newport News, VA from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 1036 mi and the route typically takes 18h 59m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR Β· Newport News, VA.