Moving from Wilmington, NC to Fayetteville, NC
The 98 mi from Wilmington to Fayetteville translate to about 2h 17m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
98 mi · 2h 17m by car · NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | NC 87, US 76, US 74 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wilmington | Fayetteville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.422 | 91.978 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.902 | 87.779 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 93.215 | 73.081 | 100.0 |
Fayetteville and Wilmington are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.422 vs 91.978); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Fayetteville typical home at $225,534 is 4.6% under Wilmington at $416,159 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Wilmington -1.4%, Fayetteville +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wilmington | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 1.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 47.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 64.4°F vs 61.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 1.2 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US, FAYETTEVILLE (PWC), NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wilmington | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,578 | 209,692 |
| Median household income | $63,900 | $56,395 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 30.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 18.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.15 | 2.57 |
Income steps down 4.6%: $63,900 in Wilmington vs $56,395 in Fayetteville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fayetteville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,580 | $38,500 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,440 | $25,680 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 12,990 | $29,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 11,600 | $34,510 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,550 | $46,000 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fayetteville average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Fayetteville more expensive than Wilmington?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fayetteville is 4.6% lower than Wilmington (91.978 vs 96.422, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Fayetteville, NC from Wilmington, NC?
The driving distance is 98 mi and the route typically takes 2h 17m via NC 87 and US 76. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Wilmington vs Fayetteville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,395 in Fayetteville vs $63,900 in Wilmington — a 11.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Wilmington to Fayetteville?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 98 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Fayetteville compared to Wilmington?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $225,534 in Fayetteville vs $416,159 in Wilmington — a 45.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Fayetteville compare to Wilmington?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,480 in the Fayetteville MSA vs $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA, on total employment of 130,480 and 142,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Wilmington and Fayetteville?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.9°F in Fayetteville vs 64.4°F in Wilmington (2.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 1.2 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 47.9 in vs 60.1 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wilmington.
City profiles: Wilmington, NC · Fayetteville, NC.