Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Hampton, VA
The 281 mi from Winston-Salem to Hampton translate to about 5h 43m behind the wheel through 2 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.
281 mi Β· 5h 43m by car Β· NC β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 58, US 158, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | High Point, Greensboro, Durham, Cary, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Hampton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.043 in Winston-Salem to 97.941 in Hampton, a 6.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $264,333 vs $275,341 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Hampton -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Hampton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 32Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 47.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Hampton gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, LANGLEY AFB, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Hampton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 137,334 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $67,758 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 17.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.38 |
Income steps up 6.4%: $57,673 in Winston-Salem vs $67,758 in Hampton.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hampton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Hampton more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hampton is 6.4% higher than Winston-Salem (97.941 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Hampton compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Hampton MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Hampton, VA from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 281 mi and the route typically takes 5h 43m via US 58 and US 158. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Hampton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,758 in Hampton vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 17.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Hampton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 281 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 Hampton compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $275,341 in Hampton vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 4.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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· Hampton, VA.