Arizona to North Carolina Moving Guide
Updated June 20, 2025

Planning a 2,069 mile interstate move from Arizona to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extremely hot summers vs milder summer weather), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (pueblo and ranch vs colonial and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern Style BBQ
- North Carolina housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in North Carolina is 9.49% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to North Carolina will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
- Our top recommended Arizona to North Carolina movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to North Carolina Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to North Carolina
- Extremely hot summers
- Limited green landscapes
- Higher cost of living
- Urban sprawl
- Heat-related risks
- Milder summer weather
- Abundant greenery
- Affordable housing
- Charming small towns
- Fewer weather extremes
- More rainy days
- Allergy potential
- Farther from major cities
- Older road systems
- Raleigh's slower pace
- Sunny all year round
- Unique desert beauty
- Proximity to southwest attractions
- Modern city infrastructure
- Scottsdale's vibrant life
Pros of moving from Arizona to North Carolina
- Say goodbye to extremely hot summers and hello to milder summer weather
- Look forward to moving away from limited green landscapes and moving to North Carolina with abundant greenery
- Swap the higher cost of living in Arizona for affordable housing in North Carolina
- Get ready for charming small towns in North Carolina
Cons of moving from Arizona to North Carolina
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunny weather all year round in Arizona to live with more rainy days in North Carolina
- You'll lose out on the pro of unique desert beauty and have to settle for the con of allergy potential
- Time to bid farewell to proximity to Southwest attractions and get used to being farther from major cities in North Carolina
- Swap modern city infrastructure for older road systems
Arizona vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichanga | Pulled Pork BBQ |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Eastern Style BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Sonoran Hot Dog | Carolina-style Hot Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Tacos | Vegan BBQ Jackfruit |
Top 3 iconic restaurants |
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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 Arizona to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern Style BBQ and Carolina-style Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan BBQ Jackfruit of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, FnB, and El Charro CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Lexington Barbecue, and Buxton Hall Barbecue.
When comparing lifestyles, North Carolina shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Carolina compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in North Carolina.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and North Carolina
Comparison | Arizona | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Pueblo and Ranch | Colonial and Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Swimming Pool, Air Conditioning | Hardwood Floors, Large Yards |
- The Pueblo and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and air conditioning, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and large yards.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. North Carolina is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- North Carolina has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
- North Carolina housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in North Carolina is 9.49% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and North Carolina
Comparison | Arizona | 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 | Wildfires, Heatwaves | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 104Β°F / 75Β°F | 88Β°F / 66Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°F / 46Β°F | 50Β°F / 30Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13 | 50 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.3 | 5 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- North Carolina has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 16 degrees colder than Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 37 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and North Carolina
Comparison | Arizona | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $67,481 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 95.85 |
State Income Tax | 2.59% - 4.50% | 5.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.62% | 0.77% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.40% | 6.98% |
Top 3 Industries | Real Estate, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Technology, Finance, Automotive |
Affluence | Moderate | Growing |
Poverty | Noticeable | Moderate |
Homelessness | Visible | Less Visible |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 10% less than in Arizona
- The COLI in North Carolina will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 2.59% - 4.50% in AZ
- The affluence in North Carolina is growing compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
- The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to noticeable poverty in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Arizona and less visible in North Carolina
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. North Carolina
Comparison | Arizona | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed; leans slightly conservative | Mixed; leans slightly conservative |
Local Politics | Local municipalities have varied political leanings | Local politics vary significantly with a mix of liberal and conservative communities |
Religion | Christianity predominant, with a notable presence of other faiths | Primarily Christian, with a significant Baptist influence |
- Arizona tends to lean mixed and leans slightly conservative in its political climate
- North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and leans slightly conservative
- North Carolina's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a significant Baptist influence
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a notable presence of other faiths
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to North Carolina
Comparison | Arizona | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Arizona Arizona State University Northern Arizona University | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University Duke University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler) Basis Oro Valley Primary (Oro Valley) Basis Scottsdale Primary West (Scottsdale) | Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte) Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville) Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Chandler (Chandler) Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley) Basis Peoria (Peoria) | Community House Middle (Charlotte) Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte) Piedmont IB Middle (Charlotte) |
Top 3 High Schools | Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale) Basis Chandler (Chandler) Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley) | The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham) Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill) |
Top 3 Private High Schools | Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix) Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley) The Gregory School (Tucson) | Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte) Cary Academy (Cary) Durham Academy (Durham) |
Top 3 Private K-12 Schools | Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale) Verde Valley School (Sedona) The Gregory School (Tucson) | Cary Academy (Cary) Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte) Raleigh School (Raleigh) |
Top 3 School Districts | Chandler Unified District Scottsdale Unified District Gilbert Public Schools | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools |
How Much Do Arizona to North Carolina Movers Cost?
Moving 2,069 miles from Arizona to North Carolina will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
- 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 | $2,375 | 300 ft3 | $7.92 |
1 Bedroom | $3,541 | 450 ft3 | $7.87 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,864 | 750 ft3 | $7.82 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,545 | 1100 ft3 | $7.77 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,349 | 1600 ft3 | $7.72 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,803 | 1800 ft3 | $7.67 |
Top Arizona to North Carolina Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to North Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to North Carolina