Moving from Raleigh, NC to Durham, NC
Relocating from Raleigh, NC to Durham, NC? The drive is 25 mi — about 33 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
25 mi · 33 min by car · NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 885, I 440 |
| Major cities en route | Cary |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 98.157 vs 97.572 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Raleigh | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 48.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Raleigh (61.1°F) and Durham (58.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.34 |
Median household incomes in Raleigh ($82,424) and Durham ($79,234) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Durham more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 0.6% lower than Raleigh (97.572 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Durham, NC from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 25 mi and the route typically takes 33 min via I 40 and I 885. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Durham compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $433,996 in Raleigh — a 8.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 25 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $82,424 in Raleigh — a 3.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 702,580 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 Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC · Durham, NC.