Moving from Hampton, VA to Sterling Heights, MI
Relocating 690 mi from Hampton to Sterling Heights is a 13h 32m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
690 mi · 13h 32m by car · VA → WV → MD → PA → OH → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → WV → MD → PA → OH → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, I 80, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Sterling Heights | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Hampton and Sterling Heights sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Sterling Heights run about 2.4% pricier — ZHVI $275,341 → $306,785 (2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Sterling Heights +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Hampton | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 32.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 35.0" |
Expect 11.1°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Sterling Heights sees 32.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, MT CLEMENS ANG BASE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Sterling Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 133,473 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $78,429 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 41.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.6 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.4% higher in Sterling Heights than Hampton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sterling Heights MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Sterling Heights averages 32.2 in annually vs 2.7 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1°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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Hampton and Sterling Heights?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.7°F in Sterling Heights vs 59.8°F in Hampton (11.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.2 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 35.0 in vs 47.8 in.
How does the job market in Sterling Heights compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Sterling Heights MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 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 Hampton to Sterling Heights?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 690 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Sterling Heights?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,429 in Sterling Heights vs $67,758 in Hampton — a 15.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Sterling Heights compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $306,785 in Sterling Heights vs $275,341 in Hampton — a 11.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Sterling Heights more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sterling Heights is 2.4% higher than Hampton (100.298 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Sterling Heights, MI from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 690 mi and the route typically takes 13h 32m via I 76 and I 80. The trip crosses 6 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 Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA · Sterling Heights, MI.