Alabama to North Carolina Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

Planning a 584 mile interstate move from Alabama to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like intense summer heat vs mild summer climate), food & health (like Alabama BBQ vs Eastern-style BBQ Pork), real estate & housing (antebellum, craftsman vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Alabama BBQ and Fried Catfish, but get your taste buds ready for Eastern-style BBQ Pork & Pulled Pork Sandwich
- North Carolina housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Alabama
- Rent in North Carolina is 17.51% more expensive than in Alabama
- Moving from Alabama to North Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended Alabama to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC
Alabama to North Carolina Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to North Carolina
- Intense summer heat
- Limited public transit
- Lack of diversity
- Low job variety
- Mild summer climate
- Extensive bus networks
- Cultural diversity
- Thriving job market
- Higher cost of living
- Higher population density
- Occasional hurricanes
- Urban demand
- Affordable living costs
- Southern hospitality
- Rich history
- Rural charm
Pros of moving from Alabama to North Carolina
- Say goodbye to intense summer heat and hello to a mild summer climate
- Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to North Carolina with extensive bus networks
- Swap the lack of diversity of Alabama for cultural diversity in North Carolina
- Get ready for a thriving job market in North Carolina
Cons of moving from Alabama to North Carolina
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living costs in Alabama to live with a higher cost of living in North Carolina
- You'll lose out on the pro of Southern hospitality and have to settle for the con of higher population density
- Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to occasional hurricanes in North Carolina
- Swap rural charm for urban demand
Alabama vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Alabama | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Alabama BBQ | Eastern-style BBQ Pork |
Most popular meat dish | Fried Catfish | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
Most popular street food item | Biscuits and Gravy | Shrimp and Grits |
Most popular vegan food | Cauliflower Wings | BBQ Jackfruit |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Alabama to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Alabama BBQ of Alabama for the equally delicious Eastern-style BBQ Pork of North Carolina. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Fried Catfish and sumptuous Biscuits and Gravy, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork Sandwich and Shrimp and Grits to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Cauliflower Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Highlands Bar and Grill, Saw's BBQ, and The Bright Star. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Chef and the Farmer, Sweet Potatoes, and Lexington Barbecue.
When comparing lifestyles, North Carolina shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in North Carolina compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in North Carolina.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and North Carolina
Comparison | Alabama | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Craftsman | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large Yards, Privacy | Proximity to Nature, Modern Amenities |
- The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
- Compared to Alabama's real estate listings, which commonly reference large yards and privacy, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to nature and modern amenities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; North Carolina is more walkable than Alabama.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; North Carolina is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
- North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
- North Carolina housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Alabamaβs $226,045.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
- Rent in North Carolina is 17.51% more expensive than in Alabama.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and North Carolina
Comparison | Alabama | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Winter Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 72Β°F | 87Β°F / 66Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 57Β°F / 36Β°F | 50Β°F / 30Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 58" | 50" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1" | 5" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 4% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
- North Carolina has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and winter storms in North Carolina.
- The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 3 degrees colder than in Alabama.
- The average winter lows in North Carolina are 6 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and North Carolina
Comparison | Alabama | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,674 | $67,481 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 95.85 |
State Income Tax | 5.0% | 5.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.40% | 0.77% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.22% | 6.75% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Automotive | Technology, Banking, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Considerable | Notable |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 13% more than those in Alabama
- The COLI in North Carolina is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
- The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 5.0% in AL
- The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Alabama
- The poverty level is notable in North Carolina compared to considerable poverty in Alabama
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and moderate in North Carolina
Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. North Carolina
Comparison | Alabama | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Republican | Mixed, with both Republicans and Democrats |
Local Politics | Conservative | Varies, with urban areas tending more liberal |
Religion | Majorly Evangelical Protestant | Mixed, with a significant Protestant presence |
- Alabama tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
- North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with both Republicans and Democrats
- North Carolina's religious environment can be described as mixed with a significant Protestant presence
- Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majorly Evangelical Protestant
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to North Carolina
Comparison | Alabama | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Alabama Auburn University University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University Duke University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Rock Quarry Elementary (Tuscaloosa) Vestavia Hills Elementary East (Vestavia Hills) Mountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook) | Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte) Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville) Davis Drive Elementary (Cary) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Berry Middle School (Hoover) Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills) Challenger Middle School (Huntsville) | Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte) Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte) Ligon Middle School (Raleigh) |
Top 3 High Schools | Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery) Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook) Bob Jones High School (Madison) | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham) Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Early College at Guilford (Greensboro) |
Top 3 private high schools | The Altamont School (Birmingham) Indian Springs School (Indian Springs) Randolph School (Huntsville) | Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte) Durham Academy (Durham) Cary Academy (Cary) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Huntsville Achievement School (Huntsville) The Montgomery Academy (Montgomery) Tuscaloosa Academy (Tuscaloosa) | Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill (Durham) Greensboro Day School (Greensboro) Providence Day School (Charlotte) |
Top 3 School Districts | Mountain Brook City Schools Vestavia Hills City Schools Hoover City Schools | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools |
How Much Do Alabama to North Carolina Movers Cost?
Moving 584 miles from Alabama to North Carolina will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,534 | 300 ft3 | $5.11 |
1 Bedroom | $2,278 | 450 ft3 | $5.06 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,759 | 750 ft3 | $5.01 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,458 | 1100 ft3 | $4.96 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,859 | 1600 ft3 | $4.91 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,751 | 1800 ft3 | $4.86 |
Top Alabama to North Carolina Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to North Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Just Move It, LLC
Best moving company overall for Alabama to North Carolina