Moving from Cary, NC to Richmond, VA
It is a 170 mi drive, roughly 3h 19m, between Cary, NC and Richmond, VA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
170 mi · 3h 19m by car · VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 95, I 885 |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.3% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cary | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 45.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Richmond gets around 8.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.23 |
Richmond households earn about 0.3% less than Cary at the median — $129,399 → $62,671 on ACS 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Cary and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 60.1°F in Cary (1.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 4.8 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 48.3 in.
Is Richmond more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 0.3% lower than Cary (97.858 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cary to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 170 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $129,399 in Cary — a 51.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richmond, VA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 170 mi and the route typically takes 3h 19m via I 85 and I 95. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $626,396 in Cary — a 41.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC · Richmond, VA.