Moving from High Point, NC to Wilmington, NC
Relocating between High Point, NC and Wilmington, NC is a 219 mi drive — 4h 13m 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.
219 mi · 4h 13m by car · NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 117, NC 132 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Wilmington | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 96.422 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 87.902 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 93.215 | 100.0 |
High Point and Wilmington sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $249,821 in High Point to $416,159 in Wilmington, a 3.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Wilmington -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | High Point | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 60.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 61.1°F vs 64.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Wilmington sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 118,578 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $63,900 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.15 |
Household income lines up — $61,228 vs $63,900 on ACS 5-year 2023.
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
How does household income compare in High Point vs Wilmington?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,900 in Wilmington vs $61,228 in High Point — a 4.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from High Point 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 219 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between High Point and Wilmington?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 64.4°F in Wilmington vs 61.1°F in High Point (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 60.1 in vs 48.3 in.
How far is Wilmington, NC from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 219 mi and the route typically takes 4h 13m via I 40 and US 117. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Wilmington compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $416,159 in Wilmington vs $249,821 in High Point — a 66.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Wilmington compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 142,780 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Wilmington more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wilmington is 3.8% higher than High Point (96.422 vs 92.865, 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 High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC · Wilmington, NC.