Moving from Cary, NC to Hollywood, FL
Relocating 793 mi from Cary to Hollywood is a 14h 38m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
793 mi Β· 14h 38m 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 40, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Durham, Raleigh, Fayetteville, Savannah, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Hollywood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Hollywood runs about 16.3% more expensive overall than Cary β RPP 98.157 β 114.155.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $626,396 in Cary to $439,400 in Hollywood, a 16.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 65.0" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.0Β°F β 60.1Β°F in Cary vs 76.1Β°F in Hollywood, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.53 |
Expect median household income to fall 16.3% β $129,399 β $65,359 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood 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
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.0Β°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
How does the job market in Hollywood compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $129,399 in Cary β a 49.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Hollywood, FL from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 793 mi and the route typically takes 14h 38m via I 95 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cary to Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 793 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 Hollywood compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $626,396 in Cary β a 29.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Hollywood more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 16.3% higher than Cary (114.155 vs 98.157, 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 Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC Β· Hollywood, FL.