Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Atlanta, GA
Relocating between Winston-Salem, NC and Atlanta, GA is a 319 mi drive β 6h 11m 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.
319 mi Β· 6h 11m by car Β· GA β SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 285, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte, Concord, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Atlanta | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Atlanta runs about 8.7% more expensive overall than Winston-Salem β RPP 92.043 β 100.058.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $264,333 in Winston-Salem to $385,599 in Atlanta, a 8.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Atlanta -3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 48.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 59.5Β°F vs 62.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 499,287 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $81,938 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 32.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.16 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.7% β $57,673 β $81,938 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Atlanta MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Atlanta average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Atlanta more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Atlanta is 8.7% higher than Winston-Salem (100.058 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Atlanta?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,938 in Atlanta vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 42.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Atlanta, GA from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 319 mi and the route typically takes 6h 11m via I 85 and I 285. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Atlanta?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 319 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Atlanta compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $385,599 in Atlanta vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 45.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Atlanta compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 271,620 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 Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Atlanta, GA.