Moving from Durham, NC to Norfolk, VA
The 194 mi from Durham to Norfolk translate to about 4h 5m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
194 mi Β· 4h 5m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, US 158, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Norfolk | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Durham (97.572) and Norfolk (97.941) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Norfolk: 0.4% below Durham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Norfolk +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 45.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Norfolk gets around 3.0 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, NORFOLK NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Norfolk |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 235,037 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $64,017 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 19.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.49 |
Income steps down 0.4%: $79,234 in Durham vs $64,017 in Norfolk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Norfolk 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 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Durham to Norfolk?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 194 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Norfolk compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,227 in Norfolk vs $396,395 in Durham β a 22.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Norfolk compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Norfolk MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Norfolk?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,017 in Norfolk vs $79,234 in Durham β a 19.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Norfolk more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Norfolk is 0.4% higher than Durham (97.941 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Norfolk, VA from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 194 mi and the route typically takes 4h 5m via US 58 and US 158. 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 Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Norfolk, VA.