Moving from Atlanta, GA to Durham, NC
Relocating between Atlanta, GA and Durham, NC is a 383 mi drive β 7h 22m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
383 mi Β· 7h 22m by car Β· GA β SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 40, NC 86 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte, Concord, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Atlanta 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
Zillow ZHVI for Durham ($396,395) sits close to Atlanta ($385,599) β no material housing gap.
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 48.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 62.3Β°F vs 58.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.34 |
Household income lines up β $81,938 vs $79,234 on ACS 5-year 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 Georgia 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
- 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 the job market in Durham compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Durham, NC from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 383 mi and the route typically takes 7h 22m via I 85 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 2.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 3.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Durham more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 2.5% lower than Atlanta (97.572 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 383 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Durham, NC.