Moving from Newport News, VA to Plano, TX
The drive from Newport News, VA to Plano, TX runs 1345 mi β about 24h 20m 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.
1345 mi Β· 24h 20m by car Β· TX β AR β TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Newport News to 103.09 in Plano, a 5.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Plano: 5.3% above Newport News on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 41.9" |
Climate warms by 6.3Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 65.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.3% between Newport News and Plano (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Texas
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 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°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 the job market in Plano compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 71.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Plano more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 5.3% higher than Newport News (103.09 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 Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 62.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Plano, TX from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 1345 mi and the route typically takes 24h 20m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1345 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Plano, TX.