Moving from High Point, NC to Virginia Beach, VA
Moving from High Point, NC to Virginia Beach, VA covers 268 mi and about 5h 30m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
268 mi · 5h 30m by car · VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, US 58, US 13 |
| Major cities en route | Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Virginia Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.865 in High Point to 97.941 in Virginia Beach, a 5.5% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Virginia Beach: 5.5% above High Point on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Virginia Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | High Point | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 3.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Virginia Beach gets around 3.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, OCEANA NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 457,066 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $90,685 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Virginia Beach is 5.5% above High Point ($61,228 vs $90,685, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Virginia Beach 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 — 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
Is Virginia Beach more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Virginia Beach is 5.5% higher than High Point (97.941 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between High Point and Virginia Beach?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.8°F in Virginia Beach vs 61.1°F in High Point (1.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.4 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 48.3 in.
When is the best time to move from High Point to Virginia Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 268 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Virginia Beach compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $427,032 in Virginia Beach vs $249,821 in High Point — a 70.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in High Point vs Virginia Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,685 in Virginia Beach vs $61,228 in High Point — a 48.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Virginia Beach, VA from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 268 mi and the route typically takes 5h 30m via I 85 and US 58. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Virginia Beach compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC · Virginia Beach, VA.