Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Pembroke Pines, FL
The drive from Chesapeake, VA to Pembroke Pines, FL runs 954 mi β about 17h 60m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
954 mi Β· 17h 60m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 58, US 13 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 97.941 in Chesapeake to 114.155 in Pembroke Pines, a 16.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Pembroke Pines at $487,422 is 16.6% above Chesapeake at $420,756.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 62.0" |
Climate warms by 14.3Β°F on the annual average β 63.0Β°F β 77.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.67 |
Income steps down 16.6%: $94,189 in Chesapeake vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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-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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 16.6% higher than Chesapeake (114.155 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 15.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 954 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 13.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 954 mi and the route typically takes 17h 60m via I 95 and US 58. The trip crosses 5 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 Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.