Moving from High Point, NC to Cary, NC
The 84 mi from High Point to Cary 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
| High Point | Cary | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cary is 5.7% higher than High Point, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cary is 5.7% above High Point — $249,821 vs $626,396 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | High Point | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in High Point (61.1°F) and Cary (60.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Cary averages 4.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.7% between High Point and Cary (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cary MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,880 | $43,660 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 75,400 | $39,140 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 60,210 | $28,910 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 57,420 | $35,780 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,150 | $79,300 |
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
How does household income compare in High Point vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $61,228 in High Point — a 111.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cary compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Cary MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cary more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 5.7% higher than High Point (98.157 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cary compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $249,821 in High Point — a 150.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from High Point to Cary?
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.
What is the climate difference between High Point and Cary?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 60.1°F in Cary vs 61.1°F in High Point (1.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 4.8 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 48.3 in.
How far is Cary, NC from High Point, 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC · Cary, NC.