Moving from High Point, NC to Richmond, VA
Relocating between High Point, NC and Richmond, VA is a 218 mi drive — 4h 16m 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.
218 mi · 4h 16m by car · VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 70, I 95 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Greensboro, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.4% above High Point — 92.865 → 97.858 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.4% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | High Point | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 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 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 — 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-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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $249,821 in High Point — a 48.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Richmond more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 5.4% higher than High Point (97.858 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Richmond, VA from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 218 mi and the route typically takes 4h 16m via I 85 and US 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from High Point to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 218 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in High Point vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $61,228 in High Point — a 2.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between High Point and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 61.1°F in High Point (2.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 48.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC · Richmond, VA.