Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC covers 204 mi and about 4h 14m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
204 mi Β· 4h 14m by car Β· VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, US 13, US 460 |
| Major cities en route | Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Virginia Beach | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Durham and Virginia Beach are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.941 vs 97.572); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.4% lower in Durham than Virginia Beach as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Virginia Beach +2.8%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Virginia Beach | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 48.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.8Β°F vs 58.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OCEANA NAS, VA US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Virginia Beach | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.34 |
Median household income in Durham is 0.4% below Virginia Beach ($90,685 β $79,234, ACS 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 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- 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 Virginia Beach to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 204 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Durham, NC from Virginia Beach, VA?
The driving distance is 204 mi and the route typically takes 4h 14m via US 58 and US 13. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Durham more expensive than Virginia Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 0.4% lower than Virginia Beach (97.572 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Virginia Beach vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $90,685 in Virginia Beach β a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Virginia Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Virginia Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $427,032 in Virginia Beach β a 7.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Virginia Beach.
City profiles: Virginia Beach, VA Β· Durham, NC.