Moving from Durham, NC to Winston-Salem, NC
The 82 mi from Durham to Winston-Salem translate to about 1h 41m behind the wheel through 1 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.
82 mi Β· 1h 41m by car Β· NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Winston-Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 92.043 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 88.421 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 71.377 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.572 to 92.043, putting Winston-Salem roughly 5.7% below Durham on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Winston-Salem: 5.7% below Durham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Winston-Salem +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 43.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 250,887 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $57,673 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.5 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.7% between Durham and Winston-Salem (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Winston-Salem MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,440 | $40,070 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,960 | $36,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 26,050 | $31,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,820 | $27,550 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 24,350 | $78,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Winston-Salem more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Winston-Salem is 5.7% lower than Durham (92.043 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 82 mi and the route typically takes 1h 41m via I 85 and US 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Winston-Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $57,673 in Winston-Salem vs $79,234 in Durham β a 27.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Winston-Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 82 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 Winston-Salem compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,333 in Winston-Salem vs $396,395 in Durham β a 33.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Winston-Salem compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 271,620 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Winston-Salem, NC.