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North Carolina to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 947 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable housing), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs creole, french colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern-style BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Crawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e
  • Louisiana housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Louisiana is 24.02% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Louisiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Louisiana movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Louisiana

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • High cost of living
  • Hurricane risk
  • Higher taxes
  • Expensive healthcare
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • More affordable housing
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Seafood and Creole cuisine
  • Lively music festivals

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Flat landscape
  • Higher unemployment rates
  • Lower-ranked schools
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Four seasons climate
  • Proximity to mountains
  • Diverse job market
  • Quality education

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Louisiana with its rich cultural scene
  • Swap the higher taxes of North Carolina for seafood and Creole cuisine in Louisiana
  • Get ready for lively music festivals in Louisiana

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a four seasons climate in North Carolina to live with hot, humid summers in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to mountains and have to settle for the con of a flat landscape
  • Time to bid farewell to a diverse job market and get used to higher unemployment rates in Louisiana
  • Swap quality education for lower-ranked schools

North Carolina vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQGumbo
Most popular meat dishEastern-style BBQCrawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e
Most popular street food itemHot dogsPo' boys
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruitOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Cook Out
  • Commander's Palace
  • Acme Oyster House
  • Dooky Chase's Restaurant
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 Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern-style BBQ and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Crawfish Γ‰touffΓ©e and Po' Boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Gumbo of Louisiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Cook Out. After the boxes are unpacked in Louisiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Louisiana's acclaimed eateries like Commander's Palace, Acme Oyster House, and Dooky Chase's Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Louisiana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialCreole, French Colonial
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 backyards, proximity to natureHistoric properties, proximity to water
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Creole and French Colonial architecture typical of Louisiana.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and proximity to nature, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like historic properties and proximity to water.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Louisiana is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Louisiana is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Louisiana has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Louisiana housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased by 13% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Louisiana is 24.02% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaLouisiana
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, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 66Β°F91Β°F / 75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F62Β°F / 42Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"60"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4"<1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 2% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Louisiana 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 floods in Louisiana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Louisiana is 3 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana. Louisiana receives 10 more inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Louisiana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$67,481$55,416
Cost of Living Index95.8596
State Income Tax5.25%2% - 6%
Avg. Property Tax0.77%0.53%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%9.45%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Banking, AgricultureOil & Gas, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyAverageHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 18% less than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Louisiana is 0% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in LA is 2% to 6% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in Louisiana is lower compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is high in Louisiana compared to average in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and moderate in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Louisiana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaLouisiana
Political Make-upMixed; leans slightly RepublicanLeans Republican, especially in rural areas
Local PoliticsVaries widely between urban and rural areasDominance of local politics by long-standing families in some regions
ReligionChristian majority, with a notable presence of EvangelicalsStrong Catholic presence, especially in South Louisiana
  • North Carolina tends to lean mixed and leans slightly Republican in its political climate
  • Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican, especially in rural areas
  • Louisiana's religious environment can be described as having a strong Catholic presence, especially in South Louisiana
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a notable presence of Evangelicals

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Louisiana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina
Duke University
North Carolina State University
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMorrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Thales Academy (Raleigh)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
Baton Rouge FLAIM (Baton Rouge)
South Highlands Elementary Magnet (Shreveport)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsThales Academy (Raleigh)
Metrolina Regional Scholars' Academy (Charlotte)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Caddo Parish Middle Magnet (Shreveport)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
Glasgow Middle School (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 High SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Woods Charter (Chapel Hill)
Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans)
Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Baton Rouge Magnet High School (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Isidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Metairie Park Country Day School (Metairie)
Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCary Academy (Cary)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Isidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Metairie Park Country Day School (Metairie)
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Zachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Ascension Parish School Board

How Much Do North Carolina to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 947 miles from North Carolina to Louisiana will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,739300 ft3$5.80
1 Bedroom$2,587450 ft3$5.75
2 Bedrooms$4,273750 ft3$5.70
3 Bedrooms$6,2131100 ft3$5.65
4 Bedrooms$8,9571600 ft3$5.60
5+ Bedrooms$9,9861800 ft3$5.55

Top North Carolina to Louisiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Louisiana

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details