Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Newport News, VA
The 384 mi from Elizabeth to Newport News translate to about 7h 47m 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.
384 mi Β· 7h 47m by car Β· VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β DC β MD β DE β NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Alexandria |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Newport News are 13.0% below Elizabeth β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
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 13.0% under Elizabeth at $534,667 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Elizabeth | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 45.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.5Β°F vs 59.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.44 |
Household income lines up β $63,874 vs $66,718 on 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 New Jersey 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newport News more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 13.0% lower than Elizabeth (97.941 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $63,874 in Elizabeth β a 4.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newport News, VA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 384 mi and the route typically takes 7h 47m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Newport News compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $534,667 in Elizabeth β a 45.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth 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 384 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 Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ Β· Newport News, VA.