Moving from Hampton, VA to Cary, NC
The 211 mi from Hampton to Cary translate to about 4h 20m behind the wheel through 2 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.
211 mi · 4h 20m by car · NC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, I 95, US 64 |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Raleigh, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Cary | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Hampton (97.941) and Cary (98.157) 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 Cary: 0.2% above Hampton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Hampton | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Cary gets around 4.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.2% between Hampton and Cary (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cary MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,880 | $43,660 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 75,400 | $39,140 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 60,210 | $28,910 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 57,420 | $35,780 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,150 | $79,300 |
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap 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.
- Register to vote in North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Cary, NC from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 211 mi and the route typically takes 4h 20m via US 58 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cary compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $275,341 in Hampton — a 127.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $67,758 in Hampton — a 91.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Hampton and Cary?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.1°F in Cary vs 59.8°F in Hampton (0.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 4.8 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 47.8 in.
Is Cary more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 0.2% higher than Hampton (98.157 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Cary?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 211 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Cary compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Cary MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 737,200 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 Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA · Cary, NC.