Moving from Newport News, VA to Chicago, IL
Relocating 832 mi from Newport News to Chicago is a 16h 5m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
832 mi Β· 16h 5m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β MD β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β MD β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago runs about 5.8% more expensive overall than Newport News β RPP 97.941 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Chicago run about 5.8% pricier β ZHVI $290,660 β $317,283 (2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | β |
Expect 8.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.8% higher in Chicago than Newport News.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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 Chicago more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 5.8% higher than Newport News (103.595 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 9.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Chicago, IL from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 832 mi and the route typically takes 16h 5m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 12.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 832 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 Newport News.
City profiles: Newport News, VA Β· Chicago, IL.