Moving from Durham, NC to Richmond, VA
Relocating between Durham, NC and Richmond, VA is a 154 mi drive β 2h 59m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
154 mi Β· 2h 59m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 15, VA 195 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 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 0.3% under Durham β $396,395 β $369,646 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 29Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: DURHAM, NC US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.23 |
Expect median household income to fall 0.3% β $79,234 β $62,671 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $396,395 in Durham β a 6.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Richmond, VA from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 154 mi and the route typically takes 2h 59m via I 85 and US 15. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richmond more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 0.3% higher than Durham (97.858 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $79,234 in Durham β a 20.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 154 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Richmond, VA.