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Alabama to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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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

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Intense summer heat
  • Limited public transit
  • Lack of diversity
  • Low job variety
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mild summer climate
  • Extensive bus networks
  • Cultural diversity
  • Thriving job market

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Higher cost of living
  • Higher population density
  • Occasional hurricanes
  • Urban demand
Alabama iconAlabama
  • 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

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemAlabama BBQEastern-style BBQ Pork
Most popular meat dishFried CatfishPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBiscuits and GravyShrimp and Grits
Most popular vegan foodCauliflower WingsBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Saw's BBQ
  • The Bright Star
  • Chef & the Farmer
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Lexington Barbecue
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, CraftsmanColonial, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge Yards, PrivacyProximity 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 Alabama’s $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

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Carolina
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, Winter Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 72Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57Β°F / 36Β°F50Β°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

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$59,674$67,481
Cost of Living Index91.295.85
State Income Tax5.0%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.40%0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax9.22%6.75%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, AutomotiveTechnology, Banking, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyConsiderableNotable
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • 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

ComparisonAlabamaNorth Carolina
Political Make-upTraditionally RepublicanMixed, with both Republicans and Democrats
Local PoliticsConservativeVaries, with urban areas tending more liberal
ReligionMajorly Evangelical ProtestantMixed, 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

ComparisonAlabamaNorth 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 SchoolsRock 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 SchoolsBerry 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 SchoolsLoveless 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 schoolsThe 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 schoolsHuntsville 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 DistrictsMountain 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,534300 ft3$5.11
1 Bedroom$2,278450 ft3$5.06
2 Bedrooms$3,759750 ft3$5.01
3 Bedrooms$5,4581100 ft3$4.96
4 Bedrooms$7,8591600 ft3$4.91
5+ Bedrooms$8,7511800 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.

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for Alabama to North Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details