Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Cary, NC
Relocating 800 mi from Pembroke Pines to Cary is a 14h 49m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
800 mi Β· 14h 49m 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
| Pembroke Pines | 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 |
Expect about 14.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Cary at 98.157 vs Pembroke Pines at 114.155.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.0% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $487,422 to $626,396 moving to Cary.
YoY change: Pembroke Pines -4.3%, Cary -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pembroke Pines | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 4.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 62.0" | 48.3" |
Expect 17.2Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Cary averages 4.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US, APEX, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pembroke Pines | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,557 | 176,686 |
| Median household income | $81,675 | $129,399 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 39.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 37.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 14.0% β $81,675 β $129,399 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 (17.2Β°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 household income compare in Pembroke Pines vs Cary?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $129,399 in Cary vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines β a 58.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cary, NC from Pembroke Pines, FL?
The driving distance is 800 mi and the route typically takes 14h 49m via I 95 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Cary compare to Pembroke Pines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,800 in the Cary MSA vs $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines 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 Pembroke Pines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cary is 14.0% lower than Pembroke Pines (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 Pembroke Pines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $626,396 in Cary vs $487,422 in Pembroke Pines β a 28.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pembroke Pines to Cary?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 800 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 Pembroke Pines.
City profiles: Pembroke Pines, FL Β· Cary, NC.