Moving from Raleigh, NC to Greensboro, NC
The 80 mi from Raleigh to Greensboro translate to about 1h 40m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
80 mi Β· 1h 40m by car Β· NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 70, I 440 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Durham, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Greensboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.157 to 92.865, putting Greensboro roughly 5.4% below Raleigh on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Greensboro: 5.4% below Raleigh on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Greensboro -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Raleigh | Greensboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 30Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 45.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, GREENSBORO WTP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Greensboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 298,564 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $58,884 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 24.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.46 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.4% between Raleigh and Greensboro (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Greensboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
How much do homes cost in Greensboro compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,428 in Greensboro vs $433,996 in Raleigh β a 39.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Greensboro, NC from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 80 mi and the route typically takes 1h 40m via I 40 and US 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Greensboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 80 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Greensboro compare to Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the Greensboro MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Greensboro more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greensboro is 5.4% lower than Raleigh (92.865 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Greensboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,884 in Greensboro vs $82,424 in Raleigh β a 28.6% 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 Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC Β· Greensboro, NC.