Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Goodyear, AZ
It is 2157 mi and 38h 2m from Winston-Salem to Goodyear β a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
2157 mi Β· 38h 2m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β AR β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β AR β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 52, I 81 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Goodyear | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Goodyear runs about 12.2% more expensive overall than Winston-Salem β RPP 92.043 β 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $264,333 in Winston-Salem to $469,424 in Goodyear, a 12.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 107Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 7.4" |
Expect 14.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.87 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.2% β $57,673 β $101,814 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Goodyear, AZ from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 2157 mi and the route typically takes 38h 2m via I 40 and US 52. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Goodyear compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 76.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 77.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Goodyear more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 12.2% higher than Winston-Salem (103.316 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2157 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· Goodyear, AZ.