Moving from Raleigh, NC to Hollywood, FL
A move from Raleigh, NC to Hollywood, FL covers 787 mi and around 14h 28m 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.
787 mi Β· 14h 28m 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, Cary, Fayetteville, Savannah, Jacksonville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Raleigh | Hollywood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.157 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.96 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.476 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hollywood is 16.3% higher than Raleigh, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Raleigh and Hollywood are within 5% of each other ($433,996 vs $439,400 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Raleigh -2.3%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Raleigh | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 65.0" |
Hollywood runs 15.0Β°F warmer on the annual average (61.1Β°F vs 76.1Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RALEIGH STATE UNIV, NC US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Raleigh | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 470,763 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $82,424 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.5% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.53 |
Median household income in Hollywood is 16.3% below Raleigh ($82,424 vs $65,359, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between North Carolina and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Hollywood compare to Raleigh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA vs $48,800 in the Raleigh MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 702,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Hollywood compared to Raleigh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $433,996 in Raleigh β a 1.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 787 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Hollywood more expensive than Raleigh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 16.3% higher than Raleigh (114.155 vs 98.157, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Hollywood, FL from Raleigh, NC?
The driving distance is 787 mi and the route typically takes 14h 28m via I 95 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Raleigh vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood vs $82,424 in Raleigh β a 20.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Raleigh.
City profiles: Raleigh, NC Β· Hollywood, FL.