Moving from Newport News, VA to Houston, TX
A move from Newport News, VA to Houston, TX covers 1381 mi and around 25h 49m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1381 mi Β· 25h 49m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β SC β NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL β GA β SC β NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 10, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, League City, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Houston and Newport News is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Houston is 0.7% below Newport News ($264,336 vs $290,660 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 54.1" |
Houston runs 11.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (59.5Β°F vs 70.6Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Houston gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.51 |
Median household income in Houston is 0.7% below Newport News ($66,718 β $62,894, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Houston average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Houston, TX from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 1381 mi and the route typically takes 25h 49m via I 85 and I 10. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 9.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 5.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Houston more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 0.7% higher than Newport News (98.629 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1381 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· Houston, TX.