Moving from Montgomery, AL to Cary, NC
A move from Montgomery, AL to Cary, NC covers 558 mi and around 10h 38m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
558 mi Β· 10h 38m by car Β· AL β GA β SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 85, I 40, US 29 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Cary | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 98.157 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 88.96 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 103.476 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.682 in Montgomery to 98.157 in Cary, a 9.5% 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: 9.5% above Montgomery on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 48.3" |
Cary is 7.8Β°F cooler on the annual average (67.9Β°F vs 60.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Light snow year: Cary gets around 4.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Cary is 9.5% above Montgomery ($55,687 vs $129,399, ACS 5-year 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 Alabama 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
- 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 Montgomery vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 132.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cary, NC from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 558 mi and the route typically takes 10h 38m via I 85 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Cary?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 558 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 Cary compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 314.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cary more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 9.5% higher than Montgomery (98.157 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Cary compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Cary MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 702,580 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Cary, NC.