Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Newport News, VA
Relocating 609 mi from Chattanooga to Newport News is a 11h 19m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
609 mi Β· 11h 19m by car Β· VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 64, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.1% above Chattanooga β 91.464 β 97.941 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 7.1% under Chattanooga β $319,579 β $290,660 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 45.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.44 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.1% higher in Newport News than Chattanooga.
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 Tennessee 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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 Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 7.1% higher than Chattanooga (97.941 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga 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 609 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 Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 9.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 9.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newport News, VA from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 609 mi and the route typically takes 11h 19m via I 81 and I 64. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 261,750 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 Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Newport News, VA.