Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Durham, NC
The 82 mi from Winston-Salem to Durham translate to about 1h 41m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
82 mi Β· 1h 41m by car Β· NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.043 in Winston-Salem to 97.572 in Durham, a 6.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Durham: 6.0% above Winston-Salem on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 48.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.34 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.0% between Winston-Salem and Durham (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.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 50.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Durham, NC from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 82 mi and the route typically takes 1h 41m via I 85 and US 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 37.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 82 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Durham more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 6.0% higher than Winston-Salem (97.572 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Durham, NC.