Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Durham, NC
It is 660 mi between Palm Bay and Durham β roughly 12h 11m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
660 mi Β· 12h 11m by car Β· NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 40, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Savannah, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 48.6" |
Annual temperature drops 14.2Β°F moving to Durham per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.34 |
Households in Durham earn about 2.4% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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.
Moving between Florida 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Palm Bay to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 660 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 17.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Durham more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 2.4% lower than Palm Bay (97.572 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 31.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Durham, NC from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 660 mi and the route typically takes 12h 11m via I 95 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Durham, NC.