Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Clarksville, TN
The 490 mi from Winston-Salem to Clarksville translate to about 9h 9m behind the wheel through 3 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.
490 mi Β· 9h 9m by car Β· NC β VA β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | High Point, Greensboro, Knoxville, Murfreesboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Clarksville and Winston-Salem is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Clarksville is 1.2% above Winston-Salem β $264,333 vs $318,206 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 53.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Winston-Salem (59.5Β°F) and Clarksville (59.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Clarksville gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.65 |
Income steps up 1.2%: $57,673 in Winston-Salem vs $66,786 in Clarksville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Clarksville, TN from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 490 mi and the route typically takes 9h 9m via I 40 and US 52. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 1.2% lower than Winston-Salem (90.947 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 20.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 490 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 15.8% higher 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 Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Clarksville, TN.