Moving from Newport News, VA to San Mateo, CA
A 2964 mi cross-country move between Newport News and San Mateo is 52h 33m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2964 mi Β· 52h 33m by car Β· VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 64, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Richmond, Evansville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | San Mateo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 18.0% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $290,660 to $1,686,905 moving to San Mateo.
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, San Mateo +0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 19.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Newport News (59.5Β°F) and San Mateo (58.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 103,555 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $152,669 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.6 |
San Mateo households earn about 18.0% more than Newport News at the median β $66,718 β $152,669 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Mateo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is San Mateo, CA from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 2964 mi and the route typically takes 52h 33m via I 80 and I 64. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is San Mateo more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Mateo is 18.0% higher than Newport News (115.613 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in San Mateo compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,686,905 in San Mateo vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 480.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Newport News vs San Mateo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $152,669 in San Mateo vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 128.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in San Mateo compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to San Mateo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2964 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· San Mateo, CA.