Moving from Fayetteville, NC to Wilmington, NC
The 98 mi from Fayetteville to Wilmington translate to about 2h 17m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
98 mi · 2h 17m by car · NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NC 87, US 76, US 74 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fayetteville | Wilmington | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.978 | 96.422 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.779 | 87.902 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.081 | 93.215 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fayetteville (91.978) and Wilmington (96.422) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Wilmington: 4.8% above Fayetteville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fayetteville +0.3%, Wilmington -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fayetteville | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.2" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 60.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Wilmington — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FAYETTEVILLE (PWC), NC US, WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fayetteville | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,692 | 118,578 |
| Median household income | $56,395 | $63,900 |
| Median age | 30.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.6% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.15 |
Income steps up 4.8%: $56,395 in Fayetteville vs $63,900 in Wilmington.
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.
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-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 90°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 — 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Fayetteville to Wilmington?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 98 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Wilmington compare to Fayetteville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA vs $41,480 in the Fayetteville MSA, on total employment of 142,780 and 130,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Wilmington, NC from Fayetteville, NC?
The driving distance is 98 mi and the route typically takes 2h 17m via NC 87 and US 76. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fayetteville vs Wilmington?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,900 in Wilmington vs $56,395 in Fayetteville — a 13.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Fayetteville and Wilmington?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Wilmington vs 61.9°F in Fayetteville (2.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 1.2 in. Annual precipitation: 60.1 in vs 47.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Wilmington compared to Fayetteville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $416,159 in Wilmington vs $225,534 in Fayetteville — a 84.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Wilmington more expensive than Fayetteville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wilmington is 4.8% higher than Fayetteville (96.422 vs 91.978, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fayetteville.
City profiles: Fayetteville, NC · Wilmington, NC.