North Carolina to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to California

ConsNorth Carolina

• Hurricane threats
• Limited tech jobs
• Less diverse cuisine
• Limited public transit
• Less cultural diversity

ProsCalifornia

• Moderate climate
• Thriving tech scene
• Culinary variety
• Robust public transport
• Rich cultural tapestry

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California

• High cost of living
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Less friendly
• Heavy traffic
• Limited season changes

North Carolina

• Lower cost of living
• Quieter lifestyle
• Southern hospitality
• Less traffic
• Beautiful fall foliage

Pros of moving from North Carolina to California

• Say goodbye to hurricane threats and hello to a moderate climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited tech jobs and moving to California with a thriving tech scene
• Swap the less diverse cuisine of North Carolina for culinary variety in California
• Get ready for robust public transport in California

Cons of moving from North Carolina to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Carolina to live with a high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter lifestyle and have to settle for the con of a fast-paced lifestyle
• Time to bid farewell to southern hospitality and get used to being less friendly in California
• Swap less traffic for heavy traffic

North Carolina vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from North Carolina to California, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern-style BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Barbecue Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Joe’s Oasis, and Bida Manda. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like The Cheeseboard, Gjelina, and Zuni Café.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and California

• The Colonial Revival architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and smart home features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than North Carolina.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
• California has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
• California housing costs are 138% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
• Rent in California is 57.39% more expensive than in North Carolina.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to California. California gets 33% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
• California 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 earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
• The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in North Carolina.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 28 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 36% more than those in North Carolina
• The COLI in California will be 42% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5.25% in NC
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
• The poverty level is noticeable in California compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. California

• North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative as a swing state in federal elections in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal and solidly Democratic in federal elections
• California's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse, with lower overall religiosity and significant non-Christian communities
• North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominates, with a strong Evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to California

How Much Do North Carolina to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,652 miles from North Carolina to California 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.