Moving from Greensboro, NC to Newport News, VA
It is a 261 mi drive, roughly 5h 8m, between Greensboro, NC and Newport News, VA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
261 mi Β· 5h 8m 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 | Winston Salem, High Point, Durham, Cary, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Greensboro | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Newport News runs about 5.5% more expensive overall than Greensboro β RPP 92.865 β 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Newport News run about 5.5% pricier β ZHVI $264,428 β $290,660 (2026-03).
YoY change: Greensboro -0.1%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Greensboro | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.9" | 45.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.8Β°F vs 59.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREENSBORO WTP, NC US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Greensboro | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 298,564 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $58,884 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.44 |
Households in Newport News earn about 5.5% more at the median β 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-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
How does the job market in Newport News compare to Greensboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $42,730 in the Greensboro MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newport News more expensive than Greensboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 5.5% higher than Greensboro (97.941 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Greensboro vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $58,884 in Greensboro β a 13.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Newport News, VA from Greensboro, NC?
The driving distance is 261 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via I 85 and I 64. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Greensboro 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 261 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 Greensboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $264,428 in Greensboro β a 9.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Greensboro.
City profiles: Greensboro, NC Β· Newport News, VA.