Moving from Newport News, VA to Raleigh, NC
Relocating between Newport News, VA and Raleigh, NC is a 193 mi drive β 4h 1m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
193 mi Β· 4h 1m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, I 95, US 64 |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Cary, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Raleigh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.941 vs 98.157 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $290,660 to $433,996 moving to Raleigh.
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Raleigh -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 49.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Newport News (59.5Β°F) and Raleigh (61.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Raleigh averages 4.5 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 470,763 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $82,424 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 32.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.2% β $66,718 β $82,424 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Raleigh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,880 | $43,660 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 75,400 | $39,140 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 60,210 | $28,910 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 57,420 | $35,780 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,150 | $79,300 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 Raleigh average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Raleigh, NC from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 193 mi and the route typically takes 4h 1m via US 58 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Raleigh compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,996 in Raleigh vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 49.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Raleigh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $82,424 in Raleigh vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 23.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Raleigh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 193 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 Raleigh compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Raleigh more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Raleigh is 0.2% higher than Newport News (98.157 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Raleigh, NC.