Moving from Cary, NC to Virginia Beach, VA
The 214 mi from Cary to Virginia Beach translate to about 4h 21m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
214 mi · 4h 21m by car · VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, US 13, US 460 |
| Major cities en route | Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Virginia Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Virginia Beach and Cary are close on the overall BEA RPP (98.157 vs 97.941); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Virginia Beach typical home at $427,032 is 0.2% under Cary at $626,396 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Virginia Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cary | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | 3.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 46.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 60.1°F vs 59.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 3.4 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, OCEANA NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 457,066 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $90,685 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.54 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.2% between Cary and Virginia Beach (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Virginia Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
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
How far is Virginia Beach, VA from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 214 mi and the route typically takes 4h 21m via US 58 and US 13. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Cary and Virginia Beach?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.8°F in Virginia Beach vs 60.1°F in Cary (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.4 in vs 4.8 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 48.3 in.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Virginia Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,685 in Virginia Beach vs $129,399 in Cary — a 29.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Virginia Beach compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Virginia Beach more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Virginia Beach is 0.2% lower than Cary (97.941 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 Virginia Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 214 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Virginia Beach compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $427,032 in Virginia Beach vs $626,396 in Cary — a 31.8% 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 · Virginia Beach, VA.