Moving from Newport News, VA to Killeen, TX

The drive from Newport News, VA to Killeen, TX runs 1499 mi β€” about 26h 52m 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.

1499 mi Β· 26h 52m by car Β· VA β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ TX

COL -7.0% Home values -24.3% Ξ” +7.1Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1499 mi
Drive time
26h 52m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
60 gal
Route throughVA β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 40, I 30, US 70
Major cities en routeChesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Knoxville

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

Cost of living

Newport NewsKilleenU.S. avg
All items (RPP)97.94191.132100.0
Rents89.57981.242100.0
Goods96.76793.757100.0
Services99.80577.884100.0

Killeen is 7.0% 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
Killeen β€” typical home
$219,957
Newport News β€” typical rent
$1,607/mo
Killeen β€” typical rent
$1,258/mo

Typical home value in Killeen is 7.0% below Newport News β€” $290,660 vs $219,957 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Killeen -1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsNewport NewsKilleen
Annual avg temperature60Β°F67Β°F
January avg low31Β°F36Β°F
July avg high88Β°F96Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation45.1"34.8"

Climate warms by 7.1Β°F on the annual average β€” 59.5Β°F β†’ 66.6Β°F.

Killeen gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals β€” winter gear can largely stay in storage.

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

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Newport NewsKilleen
Population184,774156,144
Median household income$66,718$58,339
Median age34.230
Bachelor's degree or higher17.7%16.2%
Avg household size2.442.61

Income steps down 7.0%: $66,718 in Newport News vs $58,339 in Killeen.

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

Jobs & wages

Newport News MSA β€” median wage
$46,990
Killeen MSA β€” median wage
$42,230
Newport News MSA β€” employment
737,200
Killeen MSA β€” employment
147,020

Top occupations in Killeen MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 16,840 $37,540
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 15,620 $26,660
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 14,700 $81,360
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 13,820 $37,760
Educational Instruction and Library Occupations 12,710 $59,740

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Virginia and Texas

Virginia income tax
5.75% top marginal
Texas income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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-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.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Killeen average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
  • 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 Texas after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How does household income compare in Newport News vs Killeen?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,339 in Killeen vs $66,718 in Newport News β€” a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How does the job market in Killeen compare to Newport News?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,230 in the Killeen MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 147,020 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Is Killeen more expensive than Newport News?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Killeen is 7.0% lower than Newport News (91.132 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Killeen, TX from Newport News, VA?

The driving distance is 1499 mi and the route typically takes 26h 52m via I 40 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

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

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1499 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

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

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $219,957 in Killeen vs $290,660 in Newport News β€” a 24.3% 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· Killeen, TX.

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