Moving from Cary, NC to High Point, NC
The 84 mi from Cary to High Point translate to about 1h 50m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
84 mi · 1h 50m by car · NC
Distance & route
| Route through | NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 70, US 220 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | High Point | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 92.865 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.065 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 74.519 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.157 to 92.865, putting High Point roughly 5.4% below Cary on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in High Point: 5.4% below Cary on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, High Point +0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cary | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 61°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | 1.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: High Point gets around 1.9 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, HIGH PT, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | High Point |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 115,263 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $61,228 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 37.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 21.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.56 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.4% between Cary and High Point (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in High Point MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 44,320 | $36,510 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,250 | $40,420 |
| Production Occupations | 34,760 | $38,570 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,460 | $35,150 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,710 | $27,270 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Cary and High Point?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.1°F in High Point vs 60.1°F in Cary (1.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.9 in vs 4.8 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 48.3 in.
Is High Point more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in High Point is 5.4% lower than Cary (92.865 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in High Point compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,730 in the High Point MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 356,380 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Cary to High Point?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 84 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is High Point, NC from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 84 mi and the route typically takes 1h 50m via I 40 and US 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in High Point compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,821 in High Point vs $626,396 in Cary — a 60.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cary vs High Point?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $61,228 in High Point vs $129,399 in Cary — a 52.7% lower 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 Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC · High Point, NC.