Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Richmond, VA
It is a 232 mi drive, roughly 4h 30m, between Winston-Salem, NC and Richmond, VA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
232 mi Β· 4h 30m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 40, US 15 |
| Major cities en route | High Point, Greensboro, Durham, Cary, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $264,333 to $369,646 moving to Richmond.
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 45.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Winston-Salem (59.5Β°F) and Richmond (58.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.23 |
Households in Richmond earn about 6.3% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 232 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 Winston-Salem vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 8.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 39.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Richmond, VA from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 232 mi and the route typically takes 4h 30m via I 85 and I 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Richmond more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 6.3% higher than Winston-Salem (97.858 vs 92.043, 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 Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Richmond, VA.