Moving from Hampton, VA to Greensboro, NC
It is a 256 mi drive, roughly 5h 15m, between Hampton, VA and Greensboro, NC. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
256 mi Β· 5h 15m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, I 85, US 158 |
| Major cities en route | Winston Salem, High Point, Durham, Cary, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Greensboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.2% cheaper overall in Greensboro than Hampton on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Hampton to Greensboro β $275,341 vs $264,428 (2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Greensboro -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hampton | Greensboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 45.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, GREENSBORO WTP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Greensboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 298,564 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $58,884 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.46 |
Households in Greensboro earn about 5.2% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Greensboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
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 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Greensboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 256 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Greensboro, NC from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 256 mi and the route typically takes 5h 15m via US 58 and I 85. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Greensboro compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the Greensboro MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Greensboro compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,428 in Greensboro vs $275,341 in Hampton β a 4.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Greensboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,884 in Greensboro vs $67,758 in Hampton β a 13.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Greensboro more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greensboro is 5.2% lower than Hampton (92.865 vs 97.941, 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 Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA Β· Greensboro, NC.