Moving from Cary, NC to Hampton, VA
The 211 mi from Cary to Hampton translate to about 4h 20m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
211 mi · 4h 20m by car · NC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, I 95, US 64 |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Raleigh, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Hampton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Hampton and Cary are close on the overall BEA RPP (98.157 vs 97.941); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Hampton typical home at $275,341 is 0.2% under Cary at $626,396 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Hampton -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cary | Hampton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 47.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 60.1°F vs 59.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 2.7 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, LANGLEY AFB, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Hampton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 137,334 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $67,758 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 17.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.2% between Cary and Hampton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hampton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Cary to Hampton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 211 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Hampton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,758 in Hampton vs $129,399 in Cary — a 47.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Hampton more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hampton is 0.2% lower than Cary (97.941 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Cary and Hampton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.8°F in Hampton vs 60.1°F in Cary (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 4.8 in. Annual precipitation: 47.8 in vs 48.3 in.
How does the job market in Hampton compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Hampton MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Hampton, VA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 211 mi and the route typically takes 4h 20m via US 58 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Hampton compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $275,341 in Hampton vs $626,396 in Cary — a 56.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC · Hampton, VA.