Moving from Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
Relocating 670 mi from Tampa to Durham is a 12h 39m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
670 mi Β· 12h 39m by car Β· FL β GA β SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, US 301, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Gainesville, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tampa | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Tampa and Durham sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Durham run about 3.3% pricier β ZHVI $374,888 β $396,395 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tampa -3.5%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tampa | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.5" | 48.6" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.1Β°F β 74.5Β°F in Tampa vs 58.4Β°F in Durham, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TAMPA INTL AP, FL US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tampa | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 393,389 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $71,302 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.45 | 2.34 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.3% higher in Durham than Tampa.
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 (16.1Β°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
How does household income compare in Tampa vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $71,302 in Tampa β a 11.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Durham more expensive than Tampa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 3.3% lower than Tampa (97.572 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Tampa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $46,420 in the Tampa MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Durham, NC from Tampa, FL?
The driving distance is 670 mi and the route typically takes 12h 39m via I 95 and US 301. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tampa to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 670 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 Durham compared to Tampa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $374,888 in Tampa β a 5.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tampa.
City profiles: Tampa, FL Β· Durham, NC.