Moving from Newport News, VA to Tempe, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Newport News, VA β Tempe, AZ cover 2311 mi and about 41h 18m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2311 mi Β· 41h 18m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β AR β TN β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β AR β TN β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newport News | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Newport News to 103.316 in Tempe, a 5.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Tempe: 5.5% above Newport News on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 8.8" |
Climate warms by 12.3Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 71.8Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.42 |
Income steps up 5.5%: $66,718 in Newport News vs $77,643 in Tempe.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (12.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tempe, AZ from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 2311 mi and the route typically takes 41h 18m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tempe more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 5.5% higher than Newport News (103.316 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 61.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 16.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2311 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· Tempe, AZ.