Moving from Cary, NC to Newport News, VA
Moving from Cary, NC to Newport News, VA covers 207 mi and about 4h 19m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
207 mi Β· 4h 19m by car Β· VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 13, US 58, US 460 |
| Major cities en route | Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Newport News and Cary are close on the overall BEA RPP (98.157 vs 97.941); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Newport News typical home at $290,660 is 0.2% under Cary at $626,396 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 45.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 60.1Β°F vs 59.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.44 |
Median household income in Newport News is 0.2% below Cary ($129,399 vs $66,718, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 North Carolina 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
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Newport News, VA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 207 mi and the route typically takes 4h 19m via US 13 and US 58. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $626,396 in Cary β a 53.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cary 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 207 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Newport News more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 0.2% lower than Cary (97.941 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $129,399 in Cary β a 48.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 702,580 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 Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC Β· Newport News, VA.