Moving from Memphis, TN to Newport News, VA
It is 888 mi between Memphis and Newport News β roughly 16h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
888 mi Β· 16h 22m by car Β· TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Richmond, Hampton, Norfolk |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Newport News | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.3% above Memphis β 92.179 β 97.941 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Newport News +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 45.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Newport News |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 184,774 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $66,718 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.44 |
Newport News households earn about 6.3% more than Memphis at the median β $51,211 β $66,718 on ACS 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 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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 Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Newport News MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Newport News more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Newport News is 6.3% higher than Memphis (97.941 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Newport News, VA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 888 mi and the route typically takes 16h 22m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 888 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 Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $290,660 in Newport News vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 100.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Newport News?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,718 in Newport News vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 30.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Newport News, VA.