Moving from Durham, NC to Newport News, VA
The 207 mi from Durham to Newport News translate to about 4h 5m behind the wheel through 2 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.
207 mi Β· 4h 5m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 64, VA 33 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Richmond, Hampton, Norfolk |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Durham (97.572) and Newport News (97.941) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Newport News: 0.4% below Durham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 45.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.44 |
Income steps down 0.4%: $79,234 in Durham 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 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-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.
Frequently asked
Is Newport News more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 0.4% higher than Durham (97.941 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Durham 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.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $79,234 in Durham β a 15.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $396,395 in Durham β a 26.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Newport News, VA from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 207 mi and the route typically takes 4h 5m via I 85 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 Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 336,100 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 Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Newport News, VA.