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North Carolina to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 709 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cooler, milder summers), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 86% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 46.57% more expensive than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

North Carolina to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Limited public transit
  • Hurricane threats
  • Fewer professional sports
  • Limited ski resorts
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Cooler, milder summers
  • Extensive public transportation
  • Less severe weather
  • Abundant sports teams
  • Proximity to mountains

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Higher cost of living
  • Harsh, snowy winters
  • Dense urban areas
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Higher state taxes
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lower cost of living
  • Mild winters
  • Open landscapes
  • Southern hospitality
  • Unique regional cuisine

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to cooler, milder summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Massachusetts with extensive public transportation
  • Swap the hurricane threats of North Carolina for less severe weather in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for abundant sports teams in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Carolina to live with a higher cost of living in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsh, snowy winters
  • Time to bid farewell to open landscapes and get used to dense urban areas in Massachusetts
  • Swap Southern hospitality for a fast-paced lifestyle

North Carolina vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishEastern NC barbecueLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemHot DogsFried clams
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitTofu Poke Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Skylight Inn BBQ
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Acme
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 Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC barbecue and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fried Clams 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 Tofu Poke Bowl of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Acme. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Legal Sea Foods.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Massachusetts

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanColonial, Victorian
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, garagesProximity to public transit, historic character
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and historic character.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 86% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 46.57% more expensive than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMassachusetts
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, StormsBlizzards, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 66Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F37Β°F / 19Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"47"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"48"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 6% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Massachusetts has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and storms in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 6 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Massachusetts

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$67,481$94,488
Cost of Living Index95.85121.55
State Income Tax5.3%5.0% to 9.0%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%1.22%
Avg. Sales Tax6.75%6.25%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, ManufacturingTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 40% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Massachusetts is 27% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in MA is 5.0% to 9.0% compared to 5.3% in NC
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMassachusetts
Political Make-upModerately conservative, battleground stateLiberal, strongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMixture of Republican and Democratic leadership depending on the region.Largely Democratic leadership across the state.
ReligionChristian majority with a significant evangelical presenceMajority Christian, but with a significant non-religious or unaffiliated population
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative in its political climate
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as liberal and strongly Democratic
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as majority Christian, but with a significant non-religious or unaffiliated population
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a significant evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Massachusetts

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina
NC State University
Duke University
Harvard University
MIT
Boston University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Brooks Global Studies (Greensboro)
Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Edward Brooke Charter School (Boston)
John D. Runkle (Brookline)
Ambrose Elementary (Winchester)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson (Charlotte)
Thales Academy (Rolesville)
Ligon Magnet Middle (Raleigh)
Edward Brooke Charter School (Boston)
William Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Blanchard Middle School (Westford)
Top 3 High SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Boston Latin School (Boston)
Lexington High (Lexington)
Brookline High (Brookline)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
Roxbury Latin School (West Roxbury)
Nobles and Greenough School (Dedham)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Weston Public Schools
Lexington Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 709 miles from North Carolina to Massachusetts 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,364300 ft3$4.55
1 Bedroom$2,027450 ft3$4.50
2 Bedrooms$3,346750 ft3$4.46
3 Bedrooms$4,8601100 ft3$4.42
4 Bedrooms$7,0011600 ft3$4.38
5+ Bedrooms$7,8001800 ft3$4.33

Top North Carolina to Massachusetts Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details