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North Carolina to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 2,069 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs dry heat), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs pueblo, spanish revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Arizona is 10.48% more expensive than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Arizona will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

North Carolina to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Arizona

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Humid summers
  • Hurricane risk
  • Higher taxes
  • Less outdoor activities
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Dry heat
  • No hurricanes
  • Lower taxes
  • Wide desert landscapes

Arizona iconArizona
  • Arid environment
  • Minimal seasonal variety
  • Newer settlements
  • Landlocked state
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lush greenery
  • Seasonal changes
  • Rich history
  • Coastal proximity

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to dry heat
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Arizona with no hurricanes
  • Swap the higher taxes of North Carolina for lower taxes in Arizona
  • Get ready for wide desert landscapes in Arizona

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lush greenery in North Carolina to live with an arid environment in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of seasonal changes and have to settle for the con of minimal seasonal variety
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to newer settlements in Arizona
  • Swap coastal proximity for a landlocked state

North Carolina vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArizona
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BBQCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsTacos
Most popular vegan foodSweet PotatoJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Lexington Barbecue
    • Acme
    • Chef & The Farmer
    • El GΓΌero Canelo
    • Pizzeria Bianco
    • Bacanora
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 North Carolina to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Acme, and Chef & The Farmer. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like El GΓΌero Canelo, Pizzeria Bianco, and Bacanora.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Arizona

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArizona
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialPueblo, Spanish Revival
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 listingSpacious backyards, proximity to schoolsSwimming pools, energy-efficient features
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish Revival architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to schools, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and energy-efficient amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Arizona housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Arizona is 10.48% more expensive than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArizona
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, TornadoesWildfires, Dust Storms
Air QualityGoodVaries, mostly Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 66Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"13"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4"0.3"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to Arizona. Arizona gets 40% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and dust storms in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 16 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 37 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Arizona

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArizona
Avg. Household Income$67,481$74,568
Cost of Living Index95.85101.2
State Income Tax5.25%2.59% - 4.50%
Avg. Property Tax0.77%0.62%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%8.40%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, AgricultureTourism, Technology, Mining
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNotableNotable
HomelessnessConcernConcern
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 11% more than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% - 4.50% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is notable in Arizona compared to notable in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is a concern in North Carolina and a concern in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Arizona

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArizona
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with a mix of Democratic and Republican strongholdsSwing state with a recent trend towards Democratic in federal elections
Local PoliticsVaries greatly between urban and rural areasLarge urban centers lean more progressive, rural areas remain conservative
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant presence of Baptists and MethodistsDiverse, but predominantly Christian, including a significant Catholic community
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative with a mix of Democratic and Republican strongholds in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a recent trend towards Democratic in federal elections
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse but predominantly Christian, including a significant Catholic community
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant presence of Baptists and Methodists

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Arizona

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary School (Charlotte)
Morrisville Elementary School (Morrisville)
Davis Drive Elementary School (Cary)
Cherokee Elementary School (Scottsdale)
Manzanita Elementary School (Tucson)
Basis Ahwatukee (Phoenix)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCommunity House Middle School (Charlotte)
Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Davis Drive Middle School (Cary)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)
Top 3 High SchoolsEarly College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Green Hope High School (Cary)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRavenscroft School (Raleigh)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Veritas Preparatory Academy (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Scottsdale Unified School District
Catalina Foothills Unified District
Chandler Unified School District

How Much Do North Carolina to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 2,069 miles from North Carolina to Arizona 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 North Carolina to Arizona Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Arizona movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Arizona

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