Moving from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA
Moving from Cary, NC to Norfolk, VA covers 204 mi and about 4h 13m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
204 mi · 4h 13m by car · VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, US 460, US 13 |
| Major cities en route | Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Norfolk | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Norfolk and Cary is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Norfolk is 0.2% below Cary — $626,396 vs $306,227 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cary | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 34°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 45.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Cary (60.1°F) and Norfolk (61.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Norfolk averages 3.0 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.49 |
Median household income in Norfolk is 0.2% below Cary ($129,399 vs $64,017, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norfolk 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Cary and Norfolk?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.4°F in Norfolk vs 60.1°F in Cary (1.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.0 in vs 4.8 in. Annual precipitation: 45.7 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $626,396 in Cary — a 51.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cary to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 204 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk 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 does household income compare in Cary vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $129,399 in Cary — a 50.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 0.2% lower than Cary (97.941 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 204 mi and the route typically takes 4h 13m via US 58 and US 460. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC · Norfolk, VA.