Moving from Newport News, VA to Independence, MO
The drive from Newport News, VA to Independence, MO 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
| Newport News | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.941 to 92.543, putting Independence roughly 5.5% below Newport News on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Independence: 5.5% below Newport News on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 44.7" |
Climate cools by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 54.0Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.39 |
Income steps down 5.5%: $66,718 in Newport News vs $59,480 in Independence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Independence?
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.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 5.5% lower than Newport News (92.543 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Independence, MO from Newport News, VA?
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 Independence compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 28.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Independence, MO.