Moving from Cary, NC to Lee's Summit, MO
The drive from Cary, NC to Lee's Summit, MO runs 1029 mi β about 19h 51m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1029 mi Β· 19h 51m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, SR 62 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cary | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit is 5.7% cheaper than Cary overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lee's Summit is 5.7% below Cary β $626,396 vs $390,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 38.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cary (60.1Β°F) and Lee's Summit (55.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.6 |
Income steps down 5.7%: $129,399 in Cary vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 5.7% lower than Cary (92.543 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 1029 mi and the route typically takes 19h 51m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cary vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $129,399 in Cary β a 18.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 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 Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1029 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 Lee's Summit compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $626,396 in Cary β a 37.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cary.
City profiles: Cary, NC Β· Lee's Summit, MO.