California to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to North Carolina

ConsCalifornia

• High home prices
• Expensive rent
• High income taxes
• High sales taxes
• Costly car insurance
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Long commute times
• Frequent wildfires
• Drought restrictions
• Water shortages
• Earthquake risk
• High electricity rates
• Crowded beaches
• Packed hiking trails
• Costly dining out
• High childcare costs
• High gas prices
• Complex regulations
• Parking scarcity
• Smoggy days

ProsNorth Carolina

• More affordable homes
• Lower average rent
• Lower income taxes
• Lower sales taxes
• Cheaper insurance
• Lighter traffic
• Shorter commutes
• Fewer wildfires
• Abundant rainfall
• Reliable water supply
• Minimal earthquake risk
• Cheaper electricity
• Less crowded beaches
• Quieter trails
• Lower dining costs
• Cheaper childcare
• Cheaper gasoline
• Business friendly rules
• Easier parking
• Cleaner air

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North Carolina

• Humid, hot summers
• Winter cold snaps
• More mosquitoes
• Hurricane risk
• Fewer direct flights
• Lower wages
• Smaller tech sector
• Limited public transit
• Fewer Michelin restaurants
• Fewer major events
• Fewer fast chargers
• More car dependency
• Muggy coastal heat
• Higher humidity
• Fewer national parks
• Smaller arts scene
• No desert landscapes
• Fewer global options

California

• Mild, dry climate
• Year-round outdoor days
• Low mosquito presence
• Less hurricane exposure
• Global flight options
• Higher average salaries
• Cutting-edge tech jobs
• Robust transit options
• Michelin-star dining
• Big event calendar
• Extensive EV chargers
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Cool coastal summers
• Dry summer air
• Many national parks
• Iconic entertainment scene
• Desert escapes nearby
• International cuisine variety

Pros of moving from California to North Carolina

• Say goodbye to high home prices and hello to more affordable homes
• Look forward to moving away from expensive rent and moving to North Carolina with lower average rent
• Swap the high income taxes of California for lower income taxes in North Carolina
• Get ready for lower sales taxes in North Carolina

Cons of moving from California to North Carolina

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild, dry climate in California to live with the humid, hot summers in North Carolina
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round outdoor days and have to settle for the con of winter cold snaps
• Time to bid farewell to the low mosquito presence and get used to more mosquitoes in North Carolina
• Swap less hurricane exposure for hurricane risk

California vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious pulled pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip steak and sumptuous fish tacos, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern Carolina BBQ and hot dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast 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 California eateries like The Cheesecake Factory, In-N-Out Burger, and Nobu. 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, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Lantern.

When comparing lifestyles, North Carolina shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in North Carolina compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in North Carolina.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and North Carolina

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and ocean views, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Carolina is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Carolina is less bike-friendly than California.
• North Carolina has less of an urban feel than California.
• North Carolina housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased 63% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in North Carolina is 36.47% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and North Carolina

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 25% fewer sunshine days than California.
• North Carolina has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina.
• The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 3 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and North Carolina

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 26% less than in California
• The COLI in North Carolina will be 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to low in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. North Carolina

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• North Carolina's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously diverse

How Much Do California to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 2,652 miles from California to North Carolina will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.