Moving from Newport News, VA to Topeka, KS
A move from Newport News, VA to Topeka, KS covers 1200 mi and around 22h 24m of driving through 7 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.
1200 mi Β· 22h 24m by car Β· VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, SR 62 |
| 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 | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Topeka are 9.3% below Newport News β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Topeka typical home at $190,096 is 9.3% under Newport News at $290,660 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Newport News +1.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Newport News | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.1" | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.5Β°F vs 54.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEWPORT NEWS INTL AP, VA US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newport News | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,774 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $66,718 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 9.3% below Newport News ($66,718 β $55,902, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Topeka MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,950 | $39,390 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,940 | $41,900 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 8,460 | $63,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 8,420 | $27,880 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 8,350 | $70,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Newport News to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1200 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Newport News?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $290,660 in Newport News β a 34.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Newport News, VA?
The driving distance is 1200 mi and the route typically takes 22h 24m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Newport News?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 9.3% lower than Newport News (88.82 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Newport News?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,990 in the Newport News MSA, on total employment of 113,350 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 Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $66,718 in Newport News β a 16.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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· Topeka, KS.