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North Carolina to Florida Moving Guide

Updated June 11, 2025

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Planning a 668 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Florida? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Florida across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risk vs milder winters), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Key lime pie), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs mediterranean, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Florida), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Key lime pie & Cuban sandwich
  • Florida housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Florida is 28.44% more expensive than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Florida will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Florida movers is Sebastian Moving and More

North Carolina to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Florida

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricane risk
  • Higher taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Lack of beaches
ProsFlorida iconFlorida
  • Milder winters
  • No state income tax
  • Improved road infrastructure
  • Beautiful beaches

Florida iconFlorida
  • Hotter summers
  • Flat landscapes
  • High humidity
  • Mainly touristy attractions
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Four seasons
  • Mountain views
  • Lower humidity
  • Vibrant cultural scene

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Florida

  • Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Florida with no state income tax
  • Swap the traffic congestion of North Carolina for improved road infrastructure in Florida
  • Get ready for beautiful beaches in Florida

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Florida

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from four seasons in North Carolina to live with hotter summers in Florida
  • You'll lose out on the pro of mountain views and have to settle for the con of flat landscapes
  • Time to bid farewell to lower humidity and get used to high humidity in Florida
  • Swap a vibrant cultural scene for mainly touristy attractions

North Carolina vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaFlorida
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQKey lime pie
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BarbecueCuban sandwich
Most popular street food itemBoiled peanutsEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodCollard greensAvocado toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Cheyenne's Kitchen
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Joe's Stone Crab
  • Versailles Restaurant
  • Bern's Steak House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Carolina to Florida, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Empanadas to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Collard Greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of Florida. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Cheyenne's Kitchen, and Buxton Hall Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Florida, don't wait too long before making your way to Florida's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Bern's Steak House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Florida

ComparisonNorth CarolinaFlorida
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanMediterranean, Modern
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 listingLarge yards, nature accessWaterfront, amenities
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Mediterranean and Modern architecture typical of Florida.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and access to nature, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront properties and amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Florida is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Florida is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Florida has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Florida housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased by 66% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Florida is 28.44% more expensive than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaFlorida
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, TornadoesHurricanes, Tropical Storms
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 65Β°F90Β°F / 75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F70Β°F / 50Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"54"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"0"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to Florida. Florida gets 11% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Florida has higher 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 hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Florida is 5 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 20 degrees warmer than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 4 more inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Florida

ComparisonNorth CarolinaFlorida
Avg. Household Income$67,481$69,303
Cost of Living Index95.8597.8
State Income Tax5.25%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%7.05%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, AgricultureTourism, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessModerateProminent
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 3% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Florida is 2% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • Hooray, moving to Florida means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Florida is high compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is moderate in Florida compared to noticeable poverty in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and prominent in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Florida

ComparisonNorth CarolinaFlorida
Political Make-upModerately conservative with liberal urban areasMixed; previously leaning conservative but becoming more battleground
Local Politics<a href="https://www.dncr.nc.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Civic engagement strong in urban centers</a>Varied local political engagement
ReligionStrong evangelical Christian presence, diverse in urban areasHigh Catholic presence, with significant Jewish and Protestant communities
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative with liberal urban areas in its political climate
  • Florida, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and previously leaning conservative but becoming more battleground
  • Florida's religious environment can be described as having a high Catholic presence with significant Jewish and Protestant communities
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a strong evangelical Christian presence and being diverse in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Florida

ComparisonNorth CarolinaFlorida
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMorrisville Elementary School (Morrisville)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Pine View School (Osprey)
A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School (Boca Raton)
Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (Cocoa Beach)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMetrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Community House Middle School (Charlotte)
Pine View School (Osprey)
Archimedean Middle Conservatory (Miami)
A.D. Henderson University School & FAU High School (Boca Raton)
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Ardrey Kell High School (Charlotte)
Pine View School (Osprey)
Stanton College Preparatory School (Jacksonville)
Design and Architecture Senior High School (Miami)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Ransom Everglades School (Coconut Grove)
The Bolles School (Jacksonville)
American Heritage School (Plantation)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDurham Academy (Durham)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Ransom Everglades School (Coconut Grove)
American Heritage School (Plantation)
North Broward Preparatory School (Coconut Creek)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
St. Johns County School District
Sarasota County Schools
Okaloosa County School District

How Much Do North Carolina to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 668 miles from North Carolina to Florida will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Veteran Moving Group
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,344300 ft3$4.48
1 Bedroom$1,997450 ft3$4.44
2 Bedrooms$3,296750 ft3$4.40
3 Bedrooms$4,7881100 ft3$4.35
4 Bedrooms$6,8961600 ft3$4.31
5+ Bedrooms$7,6821800 ft3$4.27

Top North Carolina to Florida Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sebastian Moving and More featured image

Sebastian Moving and More

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Florida

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Easy Florida Moving LLC featured image

Easy Florida Moving LLC

9.56/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details