Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Cleveland, OH
Relocating between Winston-Salem, NC and Cleveland, OH is a 455 mi drive β 8h 40m 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.
455 mi Β· 8h 40m by car Β· OH β WV β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 77, US 52, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Greensboro, High Point |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 33.3" |
Expect 7.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.18 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.0% β $57,673 β $39,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Cleveland, OH from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 455 mi and the route typically takes 8h 40m via I 77 and US 52. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 2.0% higher than Winston-Salem (93.923 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 Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 32.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 56.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 455 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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· Cleveland, OH.