Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Wilmington, NC
The 236 mi from Chesapeake to Wilmington translate to about 5h 21m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
236 mi Β· 5h 21m by car Β· VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, US 17 BYP, US 17 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Wilmington | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 96.422 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 87.902 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 93.215 | 100.0 |
Wilmington and Chesapeake are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.941 vs 96.422); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Wilmington -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 60.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.0Β°F vs 64.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Wilmington sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 118,578 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $63,900 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.15 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.6% between Chesapeake and Wilmington (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wilmington MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,880 | $27,660 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,320 | $38,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,960 | $34,860 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,580 | $35,690 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,220 | $76,440 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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 Wilmington average 90Β°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: Wilmington averages 60.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Wilmington compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 142,780 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Wilmington, NC from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 236 mi and the route typically takes 5h 21m via US 17 and US 17 BYP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Wilmington more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wilmington is 1.6% lower than Chesapeake (96.422 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Wilmington compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $416,159 in Wilmington vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 1.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Wilmington?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 236 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 Wilmington?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,900 in Wilmington vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 32.2% 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 Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Wilmington, NC.