Moving from Greensboro, NC to Durham, NC
Relocating between Greensboro, NC and Durham, NC is a 57 mi drive β 1h 14m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
57 mi Β· 1h 14m by car Β· NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 85, NC 86 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Winston Salem, High Point, Cary, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Greensboro | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.1% above Greensboro β 92.865 β 97.572 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Greensboro -0.1%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Greensboro | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.9" | 48.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREENSBORO WTP, NC US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Greensboro | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 298,564 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $58,884 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.34 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.1% β $58,884 β $79,234 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
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
How does household income compare in Greensboro vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $58,884 in Greensboro β a 34.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Greensboro to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 57 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 Durham compared to Greensboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $264,428 in Greensboro β a 49.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Durham, NC from Greensboro, NC?
The driving distance is 57 mi and the route typically takes 1h 14m via I 40 and I 85. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Durham more expensive than Greensboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 5.1% higher than Greensboro (97.572 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Greensboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $42,730 in the Greensboro MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 356,380 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 Greensboro.
City profiles: Greensboro, NC Β· Durham, NC.