Moving from Wilmington, NC to Port St. Lucie, FL
Relocating 670 mi from Wilmington to Port St. Lucie is a 12h 24m 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 24m 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 74, NC 130 |
| Major cities en route | Palm Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, Savannah |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wilmington | Port St. Lucie | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.422 | 100.228 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.902 | 87.031 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 93.215 | 113.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.422 vs 100.228 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Wilmington -1.4%, Port St. Lucie β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wilmington | Port St. Lucie |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 75Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 57Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 58.9" |
Expect 10.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US, NETTLES IS, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wilmington | Port St. Lucie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,578 | 220,453 |
| Median household income | $63,900 | $78,137 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.15 | 2.78 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.9% β $63,900 β $78,137 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Port St. Lucie MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,870 | $39,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 18,390 | $29,160 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 17,270 | $33,620 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,330 | $36,220 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,650 | $72,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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
- Pack rain gear on top: Port St. Lucie averages 58.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Wilmington to Port St. Lucie?
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 does household income compare in Wilmington vs Port St. Lucie?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,137 in Port St. Lucie vs $63,900 in Wilmington β a 22.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Port St. Lucie more expensive than Wilmington?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Port St. Lucie is 3.9% higher than Wilmington (100.228 vs 96.422, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Port St. Lucie compare to Wilmington?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $40,900 in the Port St. Lucie MSA vs $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA, on total employment of 163,210 and 142,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Port St. Lucie, FL from Wilmington, NC?
The driving distance is 670 mi and the route typically takes 12h 24m via I 95 and US 74. 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 Wilmington.
City profiles: Wilmington, NC Β· Port St. Lucie, FL.