Moving from Hollywood, FL to Cary, NC
It is 793 mi between Hollywood and Cary β roughly 14h 38m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
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
| Hollywood | Cary | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 14.0% cheaper overall in Cary than Hollywood on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.0% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Hollywood -5.8%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hollywood | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 65.0" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperature gap of 16.0Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Light snow year: Cary gets around 4.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD, FL US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hollywood | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 152,935 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $65,359 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 41 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.8% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.6 |
Cary households earn about 14.0% more than Hollywood at the median β $65,359 β $129,399 on 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.
Moving between Florida and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Cary compare to Hollywood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Cary MSA vs $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cary more expensive than Hollywood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 14.0% lower than Hollywood (98.157 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Cary compared to Hollywood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $439,400 in Hollywood β a 42.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Hollywood to Cary?
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 does household income compare in Hollywood vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $65,359 in Hollywood β a 98.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cary, NC from Hollywood, FL?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hollywood.
City profiles: Hollywood, FL Β· Cary, NC.