Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Hialeah, FL
A move from Winston-Salem, NC to Hialeah, FL covers 803 mi and around 14h 56m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
803 mi Β· 14h 56m by car Β· NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 77, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Concord, Charlotte, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Hialeah | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 24.0% higher overall in Hialeah vs Winston-Salem on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Hialeah: 24.0% above Winston-Salem on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Hialeah -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Hialeah |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 62.7" |
Major climate step-up: 17.4Β°F warmer annual average in Hialeah vs Winston-Salem.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Hialeah |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 221,901 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $53,079 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 45.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 14.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.87 |
Median household income in Hialeah is 24.0% below Winston-Salem ($57,673 β $53,079, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hialeah MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Hialeah average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Hialeah averages 62.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Hialeah?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 803 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 Hialeah?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,079 in Hialeah vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 8.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Hialeah, FL from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 803 mi and the route typically takes 14h 56m via I 95 and I 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Hialeah compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hialeah MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Hialeah compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $443,804 in Hialeah vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 67.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Hialeah more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hialeah is 24.0% higher than Winston-Salem (114.155 vs 92.043, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· Hialeah, FL.