Moving from Knoxville, TN to Cary, NC
The 362 mi from Knoxville to Cary translate to about 6h 53m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
362 mi Β· 6h 53m by car Β· TN β VA β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 40, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Winston Salem, High Point, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Cary | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.569 in Knoxville to 98.157 in Cary, a 6.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cary: 6.0% above Knoxville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Cary gets around 4.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.0% between Knoxville 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.
Moving between Tennessee 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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-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.
- Register to vote in North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 153.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cary compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Cary MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Cary, NC from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 362 mi and the route typically takes 6h 53m via I 81 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Cary compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 69.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cary more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 6.0% higher than Knoxville (98.157 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Cary?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 362 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Cary, NC.