Moving from Chesapeake, VA to High Point, NC
It is a 255 mi drive, roughly 5h 24m, between Chesapeake, VA and High Point, NC. 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.
255 mi Β· 5h 24m by car Β· VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 58, US 13 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | High Point | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has High Point at 92.865 vs Chesapeake at 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $420,756 to $249,821 moving to High Point.
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, High Point +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Chesapeake (63.0Β°F) and High Point (61.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
High Point averages 1.9 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: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, HIGH PT, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 115,263 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $61,228 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 21.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.56 |
High Point households earn about 5.2% less than Chesapeake at the median β $94,189 β $61,228 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in High Point MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia 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-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.
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 much do homes cost in High Point compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,821 in High Point vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 40.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in High Point compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the High Point MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to High Point?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 255 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is High Point more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in High Point is 5.2% lower than Chesapeake (92.865 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Chesapeake vs High Point?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,228 in High Point vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 35.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is High Point, NC from Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 255 mi and the route typically takes 5h 24m via I 85 and US 58. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· High Point, NC.