Moving from Newport News, VA to Dayton, OH

The drive from Newport News, VA to Dayton, OH runs 581 mi β€” about 11h 4m 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.

581 mi Β· 11h 4m by car Β· VA β†’ WV β†’ OH

COL -5.4% Home values -53.0% Ξ” -6.2Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
581 mi
Drive time
11h 4m
States
3
Fuel (25 mpg)
23 gal
Route throughVA β†’ WV β†’ OH
Primary highwaysI 64, US 35, I 77
Major cities en routeChesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Newport NewsDaytonU.S. avg
All items (RPP)97.94192.694100.0
Rents89.57995.388100.0
Goods96.76793.628100.0
Services99.80572.712100.0

Dayton is 5.4% cheaper than Newport News overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Newport News β€” typical home
$290,660
Dayton β€” typical home
$136,592
Newport News β€” typical rent
$1,607/mo
Dayton β€” typical rent
$1,220/mo

Typical home value in Dayton is 5.4% below Newport News β€” $290,660 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsNewport NewsDayton
Annual avg temperature60Β°F53Β°F
January avg low31Β°F20Β°F
July avg high88Β°F87Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”12.3"
Annual precipitation45.1"41.7"

Climate cools by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β€” 59.5Β°F β†’ 53.3Β°F.

Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Newport NewsDayton
Population184,774136,741
Median household income$66,718$43,454
Median age34.234.2
Bachelor's degree or higher17.7%12.9%
Avg household size2.442.36

Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.4% between Newport News and Dayton (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Newport News MSA β€” median wage
$46,990
Dayton MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Newport News MSA β€” employment
737,200
Dayton MSA β€” employment
β€”

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Virginia and Ohio

Virginia income tax
5.75% top marginal
Ohio income tax
3.5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 20–30% 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.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β€” pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
  • Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
  • Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
  • Register to vote in Ohio after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to move from Newport News to Dayton?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 581 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does household income compare in Newport News vs Dayton?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $66,718 in Newport News β€” a 34.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Dayton more expensive than Newport News?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 5.4% lower than Newport News (92.694 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Newport News?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $290,660 in Newport News β€” a 53.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How far is Dayton, OH from Newport News, VA?

The driving distance is 581 mi and the route typically takes 11h 4m via I 64 and US 35. 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 Newport News.

City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Dayton, OH.

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