Moving from Newport News, VA to Alexandria, VA
Moving from Newport News, VA to Alexandria, VA covers 167 mi and about 3h 19m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
167 mi Β· 3h 19m by car Β· VA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 64, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Alexandria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 108.884 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 106.7 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 104.847 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 151.134 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 11.2% pricier overall in Alexandria than Newport News on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Alexandria typical home at $676,205 is 11.2% above Newport News at $290,660 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Alexandria -0.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 41.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.5Β°F vs 59.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Alexandria sees 13.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Alexandria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 156,788 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $113,638 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.08 |
Median household income in Alexandria is 11.2% above Newport News ($66,718 vs $113,638, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Alexandria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 384,770 | $101,420 |
| Management Occupations | 304,760 | $154,420 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 296,400 | $48,960 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 244,010 | $35,930 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 239,700 | $129,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Alexandria averages 13.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Alexandria more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Alexandria is 11.2% higher than Newport News (108.884 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Alexandria compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $676,205 in Alexandria vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 132.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Alexandria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 167 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Alexandria, VA from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 167 mi and the route typically takes 3h 19m via I 95 and I 64. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Alexandria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,638 in Alexandria vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 70.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Alexandria compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 3,092,070 and 737,200 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 Newport News.
City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Alexandria, VA.