Moving from Clearwater, FL to Richmond, VA
Relocating 817 mi from Clearwater to Richmond is a 15h 27m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
817 mi Β· 15h 27m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 75, US 301 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Fayetteville, Savannah, Jacksonville, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 3.0% above Clearwater β $339,488 β $369,646 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 45.5" |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.0Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Light snow year: Richmond gets around 8.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.23 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Florida 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-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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Virginia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 2.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 8.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 817 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Richmond, VA from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 817 mi and the route typically takes 15h 27m via I 95 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Richmond more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 3.0% lower than Clearwater (97.858 vs 100.89, 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 Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Richmond, VA.