Moving from Raleigh, NC to Cleveland, OH
A move from Raleigh, NC to Cleveland, OH covers 554 mi and around 10h 43m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
554 mi Β· 10h 43m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, I 40, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Raleigh (98.157) and Cleveland (93.923) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 4.3% below Raleigh on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Raleigh | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 33.3" |
Cleveland is 8.8Β°F cooler on the annual average (61.1Β°F vs 52.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.18 |
Median household income in Cleveland is 4.3% below Raleigh ($82,424 vs $39,187, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 554 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 Cleveland compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $433,996 in Raleigh β a 73.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 554 mi and the route typically takes 10h 43m via I 77 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $82,424 in Raleigh β a 52.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 4.3% lower than Raleigh (93.923 vs 98.157, 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 Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC Β· Cleveland, OH.