Moving from Cary, NC to Evansville, IN
The drive from Cary, NC to Evansville, IN runs 641 mi β about 12h 37m 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.
641 mi Β· 12h 37m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β KY β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β KY β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, SR 62, US 460 |
| 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 | Evansville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 91.528 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 86.717 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 66.735 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 98.157 to 91.528, putting Evansville roughly 6.8% below Cary on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Evansville: 6.8% below Cary on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cary -1.7%, Evansville +3.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cary | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 47.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: APEX, NC US, EVANSVILLE MUSEUM, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cary | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,686 | 116,441 |
| Median household income | $129,399 | $52,251 |
| Median age | 39.8 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.4% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.23 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.8% between Cary and Evansville (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Evansville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,860 | $38,480 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,890 | $36,600 |
| Production Occupations | 14,790 | $42,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,900 | $27,390 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,580 | $31,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Cary vs Evansville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,251 in Evansville vs $129,399 in Cary β a 59.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cary to Evansville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 641 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Evansville, IN from Cary, NC?
The driving distance is 641 mi and the route typically takes 12h 37m via I 64 and SR 62. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Evansville compare to Cary?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,930 in the Evansville MSA vs $48,800 in the Cary MSA, on total employment of 152,180 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Evansville more expensive than Cary?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Evansville is 6.8% lower than Cary (91.528 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Evansville compared to Cary?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,977 in Evansville vs $626,396 in Cary β a 68.2% 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· Evansville, IN.