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Arizona to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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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

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extremely hot summers
  • Limited green landscapes
  • Higher cost of living
  • Urban sprawl
  • Heat-related risks
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Milder summer weather
  • Abundant greenery
  • Affordable housing
  • Charming small towns
  • Fewer weather extremes

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • More rainy days
  • Allergy potential
  • Farther from major cities
  • Older road systems
  • Raleigh's slower pace
Arizona iconArizona
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaEastern Style BBQ
Most popular street food itemSonoran Hot DogCarolina-style Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodVegan TacosVegan BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • FnB
  • El Charro CafΓ©
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 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

ComparisonArizonaNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StylePueblo and RanchColonial and 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 listingSwimming Pool, Air ConditioningHardwood 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 Arizona’s $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

ComparisonArizonaNorth 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 DisastersWildfires, HeatwavesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)104Β°F / 75Β°F88Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F / 46Β°F50Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1350
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.35
  • 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

ComparisonArizonaNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$74,568$67,481
Cost of Living Index101.295.85
State Income Tax2.59% - 4.50%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.62%0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax8.40%6.98%
Top 3 IndustriesReal Estate, Healthcare, ManufacturingTechnology, Finance, Automotive
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessVisibleLess 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

ComparisonArizonaNorth Carolina
Political Make-upMixed; leans slightly conservativeMixed; leans slightly conservative
Local PoliticsLocal municipalities have varied political leaningsLocal politics vary significantly with a mix of liberal and conservative communities
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a notable presence of other faithsPrimarily 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

ComparisonArizonaNorth 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 SchoolsKnox 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 SchoolsBasis 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 SchoolsBasis 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 SchoolsBrophy 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 SchoolsRancho 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 DistrictsChandler 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 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,375300 ft3$7.92
1 Bedroom$3,541450 ft3$7.87
2 Bedrooms$5,864750 ft3$7.82
3 Bedrooms$8,5451100 ft3$7.77
4 Bedrooms$12,3491600 ft3$7.72
5+ Bedrooms$13,8031800 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.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to North Carolina

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details