Best Charlotte to Cary Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Charlotte to Cary and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 164 mile long distance North Carolina move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 158 Charlotte to Cary moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Dogwood Moving Co.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charlotte compared to Cary. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Charlotte to Cary Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Dogwood Moving Co. | 9.83 | 9.77 |
2 | Reign Moving Solutions | 9.62 | 9.62 |
3 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.44 | 9.6 |
4 | Gentle Giant Moving Company | 9.43 | 8.96 |
5 | Hornet Moving | 9.41 | 9.47 |
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Charlotte to Cary?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 164 miles from Charlotte, NC to Cary, NC will cost on average $1,633 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charlotte to Cary move is roughly $3,897. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,101 | 300 ft³ | $3.67 |
1 Bedroom | $1,633 | 450 ft³ | $3.63 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,689 | 750 ft³ | $3.59 |
3 Bedrooms | $3,897 | 1100 ft³ | $3.54 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,601 | 1600 ft³ | $3.50 |
5+ Bedrooms | $6,224 | 1800 ft³ | $3.46 |

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Cary to Charlotte guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charlotte to Cary Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Dogwood Moving Co.
6192 Beale Loop
Raleigh, NC, 27616
About Dogwood Moving Co.
Dogwood is a new local moving company that started in 2020 and serves as one of the movers in Raleigh, NC....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Residential moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3376522 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 16 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |

Reign Moving Solutions
Rock Hill, SC
About Reign Moving Solutions
Reign Moving Solutions is a family owned and operated moving company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They have been in business...
Services
- Packing & Unpacking
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3524609 / 1171156 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2020) |

Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Gentle Giant Moving Company
3827 Barringer Dr
Charlotte, NC, 28217
About Gentle Giant Moving Company
Gentle Giant Moving Company was founded in 1980, and today has locations across the US, including one in North Carolina. Serving...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services

Hornet Moving
920 W Craighead Rd
Charlotte, NC, 28206
About Hornet Moving
This family-owned moving company is based in Charlotte, NC, and prides itself on its professional and skilled employees, high-quality service, and...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Commercial moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2841083 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 24 |
Registered Drivers | 23 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Charlotte vs. Cary Neighborhood Comparison
This comparison aims to help you familiarize yourself with local neighborhoods between Charlotte, NC & Cary, NC . By using Charlotte's top neighborhoods as a baseline, you'll discover the closest comparable areas in Cary.
Charlotte | Cary | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Myers Park | Preston | Upscale community with historic charm |
NoDa | Downtown Cary | Vibrant arts and cultural scene |
South End | Waverly Place | Trendy shopping and dining |
Ballantyne | Weston | Modern suburban living with conveniences |
Elizabeth | Lochmere | Leafy streets with community feel |
Plaza Midwood | Cary Park | Eclectic vibe with diverse dining |
Uptown | Parkside Town Commons | Urban amenities and nightlife |
Dilworth | Amberly | Walkable streetscape, family-friendly |
SouthPark | Stone Creek Village | Premier shopping and dining |
University City | RTP | College town atmosphere with innovation hub |
Preston in Cary mirrors the upscale allure of Myers Park, with its luxurious homes and tree-lined streets. You'll find yourself amongst the elegance of century-old oaks in a community that values history and refinement. Downtown Cary offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene much like NoDa, fostering creativity in welcoming art galleries and live music venues. If you're drawn to the trendy atmosphere of South End with its eclectic mix of breweries and artisanal shops, Waverly Place in Cary is bound to captivate you with its trendy shopping and vibrant dining options. Moreover, the family-friendly vibe and walkability of Dilworth resonate in Cary's Amberly, where community parks and relaxed coffee spots lend themselves to leisurely strolls and neighborhood camaraderie.

Things to Do in Cary
- Explore the Fred G. Bond Metro Park.
- Visit the Cary Arts Center for cultural events.
- Enjoy dining at Ashworth Drugs soda shop.
- Take a class at Cary Pottery.
- Hike the trails at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve.
- Attend a performance at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.
- Play golf at Prestonwood Country Club.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charlotte to Cary
Moving from one city to another offers a unique chance to reset life's pace and priorities. This comparison between Charlotte, NC, and Cary, NC, aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation , helping you to weigh your options wisely.
- Higher crime rate
- More traffic
- Larger population
- Higher cost of living
- Lower crime rate
- Less congestion
- Smaller community
- More affordable
- Quieter nightlife
- Smaller job market
- Less diversity in dining
- Fewer events
- Vibrant nightlife
- Wide job market
- Diverse restaurants
- More cultural events
Each city holds its unique charm and challenges. Charlotte, known for its vibrant nightlife, boasts numerous hotspots such as The Music Factory and The NASCAR Hall of Fame, offering endless entertainment options. Conversely, Cary, with its lesser-known but equally captivating Downtown Park, offers a quaint and serene environment ideal for families. While Charlotte's 7th Street Public Market provides a diverse culinary experience, Cary's dining scene, though smaller, is noted for quality, such as the renowned Ashworth Drugs with its classic soda shop. Both locations present unique living experiences, whether you're seeking the excitement of a bustling city or the peace of a close-knit community.
Charlotte vs. Cary Food Guide
Food is a vibrant part of local culture, deeply influencing what it’s like to live in an area. To aid in your transition, we offer a comparison of the local cuisine between Charlotte & Cary , arming you with knowledge about the culinary scene of your new home.
- Price's Chicken Coop
- Midwood Smokehouse
- Mert’s Heart and Soul
- Cilantro Indian Cafe
- Ashworth Drugs
- Bosphorus Restaurant
In Charlotte, the Carolina BBQ reigns supreme, a testament to the city's Southern roots. Iconic spots like Mert’s Heart and Soul offer experiences that blend culture with culinary excellence. Cary, albeit smaller, surprises with its diversity in flavors, best represented by establishments like Cilantro Indian Cafe, which reflect Cary's growing multicultural community. Both cities exhibit a strong commitment to health and fitness, seen in their robust vegan options and the presence of health-conscious eateries throughout the area.
Charlotte vs. Cary Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, finding local eateries that feel like home is crucial. This comparison charts aim to make Charlotte to Cary transitions smoother by mapping out top restaurants in both cities. Dive in to discover your next favorite dining spot!
Charlotte | Cary | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Fig Tree Restaurant | Prestonwood Country Club | Offers a fine dining experience akin to Fig Tree. |
Price's Chicken Coop | PDQ Cary | Known for high-quality chicken meals, similar in renown to Price's. |
Carpe Diem Restaurant & Caterers | Academy Street Bistro | Provides an elegant dining ambiance similar to Carpe Diem. |
Haberdish | Dame's Chicken & Waffles | Offers a Southern cuisine experience reminiscent of Haberdish. |
Midwood Smokehouse | The Original NY Pizza | Provides a diverse barbecue menu like Midwood, but with a hint of Italian flair. |
Amélie's French Bakery & Café | La Farm Bakery | Captures the essence of a French café, much like Amélie's. |
Good Food on Montford | Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen | Provides a mix of innovative and Southern dishes akin to Good Food. |
Optimist Hall | Fenton | A mixed-use development with diverse dining options, reminiscent of Optimist Hall. |
Leah & Louise | Postmaster | Offers creative Southern dishes in a modern setting, echoing Leah & Louise. |
Soul Gastrolounge | SideBar | Delivers a contemporary dining and cocktail experience similar to Soul Gastrolounge. |
For those seeking a blend of Southern charm and modern dining in Cary, you'll find Dame's Chicken & Waffles a perfect counterpoint to Charlotte's Haberdish, capturing the essence of Southern dining with their unique take on chicken and waffles. If French café culture is your go-to, then La Farm Bakery in Cary will not disappoint, echoing the ambiance and culinary experience of Amélie's French Bakery & Café in Charlotte. Meanwhile, the modern and innovative culinary approach of Good Food on Montford is mirrored by Cary’s Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, where the menu showcases a mix of traditional Southern cooking with a contemporary twist. Each Cary establishment pays homage to its Charlotte counterpart through its dedication to quality, ambiance, and unique dining experiences.

Ready to start your move?
Charlotte vs. Cary Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, comparing the real estate markets of Charlotte and Cary is crucial to finding your perfect home. This comparison will help you understand how the two cities differ in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle, ensuring you make an informed decision.
In comparing Charlotte and Cary, it's evident that while Charlotte offers a more vibrant urban lifestyle with greater walkability, Cary prides itself on family-friendly neighborhoods and ample green spaces. Cary's modern and ranch-style homes contrast with Charlotte's predominant Colonial Revival architecture, catering to different tastes and preferences. Importantly, the higher median home price in Cary reflects its sought-after communities and amenities. When choosing between these two cities, consider what aspects of living are most important to you, whether it's the hustle and bustle of city life or the tranquility of suburban living.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Cary, NC
1. Lochmere : You and your furry friend will love the extensive trails and parks that make Lochmere a haven for pet owners seeking an active lifestyle.
2. Amberly : With its vast open spaces and pet-friendly amenities, Amberly ensures you and your pets can enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.
3. Preston : Known for its welcoming vibe and accessible pet facilities, Preston is a favorite among pet owners looking for a comfortable and supportive neighborhood.
Charlotte vs. Cary Weather Considerations
When considering a move from Charlotte, NC to Cary, NC, understanding how the weather varies is essential. This comparison will help you gauge what to expect climate-wise in your new home.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Moving from Charlotte to Cary, you'll find many similarities in weather conditions, with slight variances. Both cities experience a mix of humid summers and moderately cold winters. However, Cary tends to have a slightly higher annual snowfall, possibly due to its proximity to the slightly more elevated regions of North Carolina. The number of sunny days per year is roughly similar, ensuring that you can enjoy outdoor activities in either city. Understanding these nuances ensures you are well prepared for your new setting in Cary.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charlotte to Cary
When planning your move from Charlotte, NC to Cary, NC, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape you're entering. Comparing the two cities will help you gauge how your expenses, income, and lifestyle might shift. This comparison highlights the cost of living, average income, and tax differences between Charlotte and Cary, providing a comprehensive financial picture for your move.
While both Charlotte and Cary share the same state income and sales tax rates, significant differences emerge in other financial areas. Cary boasts a significantly higher average household income, reflecting its high affluence and low levels of poverty and homelessness in comparison to Charlotte. However, this comes with a higher cost of living index. Cary's economy is supported by technology, education, and healthcare, differing from Charlotte's strong finance, energy, and technology sectors. This shift suggests a change in the economic environment you'll experience, potentially impacting your career opportunities and lifestyle costs.
Charlotte vs. Cary Political & Religious Comparison
In your journey from Charlotte, NC, to Cary, NC, it’s essential to understand the communities you’re transitioning between. This comparison of the politics between Charlotte & Cary offers a quick snapshot of political and religious inclinations in these cities, providing insight into what you can expect from your new neighbors.
Both Charlotte and Cary lean Democratic in their political makeup, reflecting a progressive stance on many national issues. However, the focus of local politics might differ. In Charlotte, there’s a notable engagement in social issues, reflecting its larger population's varied concerns. Cary, while also progressive, often emphasizes local development and infrastructure, underlining its status as a rapidly growing but smaller community. Religious diversity is a hallmark of both cities, with Charlotte showcasing a strong Christian presence. Cary, although also home to many Christian communities, notably includes more varied religious practices, including Hinduism and Islam, reflective of its diverse population. This indicates a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life.
Charlotte vs. Cary Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your daily routine, especially when it comes to commuting. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, this guide presents a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charlotte & Cary. Knowing the differences will prepare you for a smoother transition.
When comparing the two cities, it's evident that Charlotte experiences higher traffic congestion, which can be attributed to its larger population and urban sprawl. However, Charlotte also offers better public transportation options, including the CATS bus system and the LYNX Blue Line light rail, making it somewhat easier to get around without a car. In contrast, Cary, with its lower traffic congestion, results in a slightly quicker average commute time. However, the town's smaller size and less comprehensive public transit system can make it more challenging to live there without relying on a personal vehicle. Understanding these nuances can help you better plan your daily commute and transportation needs in your new city.



Additional Resources
Charlotte Moving Services
Popular Charlotte to North Carolina Routes
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