Moving from Hampton, VA to Fayetteville, NC
Relocating between Hampton, VA and Fayetteville, NC is a 244 mi drive — 4h 58m 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.
244 mi · 4h 58m by car · NC → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95 BUSINESS, US 301, US 58 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Norfolk |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Fayetteville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 91.978 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 87.779 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 73.081 | 100.0 |
Expect about 6.1% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Fayetteville at 91.978 vs Hampton at 97.941.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 6.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Fayetteville +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Hampton | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 1.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 47.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Hampton (59.8°F) and Fayetteville (61.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Fayetteville averages 1.2 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, FAYETTEVILLE (PWC), NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 209,692 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $56,395 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 30.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 18.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.57 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.1% lower in Fayetteville than Hampton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fayetteville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,580 | $38,500 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,440 | $25,680 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,990 | $29,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,600 | $34,510 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,550 | $46,000 |
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 — 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-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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fayetteville average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
Is Fayetteville more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fayetteville is 6.1% lower than Hampton (91.978 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Fayetteville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 244 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fayetteville compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $225,534 in Fayetteville vs $275,341 in Hampton — a 18.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fayetteville compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,480 in the Fayetteville MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 130,480 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Hampton and Fayetteville?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Fayetteville vs 59.8°F in Hampton (2.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.2 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 47.9 in vs 47.8 in.
How far is Fayetteville, NC from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 58m via I 95 BUSINESS and US 301. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Fayetteville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,395 in Fayetteville vs $67,758 in Hampton — a 16.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA · Fayetteville, NC.