Moving from Durham, NC to Savannah, GA
The 355 mi from Durham to Savannah translate to about 6h 39m behind the wheel through 3 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.
355 mi Β· 6h 39m by car Β· NC β SC β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β SC β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 40, US 17 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Raleigh, Fayetteville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Savannah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 95.206 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 88.603 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.269 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 86.012 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Durham (97.572) and Savannah (95.206) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Savannah ZHVI at $326,509 is 2.4% below Durham at $396,395.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Savannah -3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 48.1" |
Climate warms by 9.1Β°F on the annual average β 58.4Β°F β 67.5Β°F.
Effectively snow-free year in Savannah β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 147,546 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $56,782 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 33.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 20.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.52 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.4% between Durham and Savannah (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Savannah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,950 | $41,600 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,870 | $37,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 21,400 | $28,500 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 18,460 | $31,030 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,220 | $76,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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-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 Savannah average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Durham vs Savannah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,782 in Savannah vs $79,234 in Durham β a 28.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Savannah more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Savannah is 2.4% lower than Durham (95.206 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Savannah compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,490 in the Savannah MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 188,970 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Savannah?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 355 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 Savannah compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $326,509 in Savannah vs $396,395 in Durham β a 17.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Savannah, GA from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 355 mi and the route typically takes 6h 39m via I 95 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 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 Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Savannah, GA.