Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Newport News, VA
The 315 mi from Philadelphia to Newport News translate to about 6h 31m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
315 mi Β· 6h 31m by car Β· PA β DE β MD β DC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β DE β MD β DC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 64, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Alexandria, Richmond, Hampton, Norfolk |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Newport News and Philadelphia is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Newport News is 4.5% above Philadelphia β $231,815 vs $290,660 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Philadelphia | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 45.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Philadelphia (57.7Β°F) and Newport News (59.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.44 |
Income steps up 4.5%: $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $66,718 in Newport News.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Newport News MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
Frequently asked
Is Newport News more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 4.5% lower than Philadelphia (97.941 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Newport News?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 315 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 Newport News compared to Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $231,815 in Philadelphia β a 25.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $60,698 in Philadelphia β a 9.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newport News, VA from Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 315 mi and the route typically takes 6h 31m via I 95 and I 64. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Philadelphia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 2,829,560 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA Β· Newport News, VA.