Moving from Newport News, VA to South Bend, IN
The drive from Newport News, VA to South Bend, IN runs 746 mi β about 14h 29m 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.
746 mi Β· 14h 29m by car Β· VA β WV β MD β PA β OH β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β MD β PA β OH β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.941 to 92.858, putting South Bend roughly 5.2% 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 South Bend: 5.2% below Newport News on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 40.9" |
Climate cools by 9.7Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 49.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.5 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.2% between Newport News and South Bend (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is South Bend more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 5.2% lower than Newport News (92.858 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is South Bend, IN from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 746 mi and the route typically takes 14h 29m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in South Bend compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 33.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 21.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 746 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· South Bend, IN.