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North Carolina to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 1,358 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs milder summer climate), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs cape cod, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern-style BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Minnesota is 3.80% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

North Carolina to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Minnesota

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Hurricane risks
  • Higher wildfire threat
  • Traffic congestion
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Milder summer climate
  • Less extreme weather
  • Lower wildfire threat
  • Lesser traffic in many areas

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • No ocean beaches
  • Cold, long winters
  • No Southern BBQ
  • Higher cost of living
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Beaches and coastline
  • Year-round mild climate
  • Famous for BBQ
  • Affordable living

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to a milder summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risks and moving to Minnesota with less extreme weather
  • Swap the higher wildfire threat of North Carolina for a lower wildfire threat in Minnesota
  • Get ready for less traffic in many areas in Minnesota

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beaches and coastline in North Carolina to live with no ocean beaches in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a year-round mild climate and have to settle for the con of cold, long winters
  • Time to bid farewell to the famous BBQ and get used to no Southern BBQ in Minnesota
  • Swap affordable living for a higher cost of living

North Carolina vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQHotdish
Most popular meat dishEastern-style BBQWalleye
Most popular street food itemCarolina-style hot dogsJucy Lucy burger
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruitVegan hotdish
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Skylight Inn BBQ
  • The Pit
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Matt's Bar
  • The Salty Tart
  • Spoon and Stable
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 Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern-style BBQ and sumptuous Carolina-style hot dogs, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Jucy Lucy burgers 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 Vegan hotdish of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, The Pit, and Lexington Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, The Salty Tart, and Spoon and Stable.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Minnesota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCape Cod, Craftsman
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 yards, Hardwood floorsLakeside views, Energy efficiency
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Craftsman architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and hardwood floors, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 3.80% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMinnesota
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, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 66Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F23Β°F / 7Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"30"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)6"54"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 7% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Minnesota has similar humidity and a lower 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 blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 5 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 23 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Minnesota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$67,481$82,338
Cost of Living Index95.8598.75
State Income Tax5.25%9.85%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%1.10%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%7.46%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Financial Services, ManufacturingAgriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessAverageLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 22% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 3% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in Minnesota is high compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Minnesota compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is average in North Carolina and low in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Minnesota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMinnesota
Political Make-upLean conservative, but becoming more purpleLean liberal, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsMix of Republican and Democratic leadershipDemocratic leadership predominates in urban regions
ReligionPredominantly Christian, evangelical influence in rural areasDiverse, with a significant Lutheran population
  • North Carolina tends to lean conservative, but is becoming more purple in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning liberal, especially in urban areas
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a significant Lutheran population
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with an evangelical influence in rural areas

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Minnesota

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)
1. University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill

2. North Carolina State University
Raleigh

3. Duke University
Durham


1. University of Minnesota
Minneapolis

2. Minnesota State University
Mankato

3. St. Olaf College
Northfield

Top 3 Elementary Schools
1. Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy
Charlotte

2. Quest Academy
Raleigh

3. Endeavor Charter School
Wake Forest


1. St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower
Stillwater

2. Yinghua Academy
Minneapolis

3. Excelsior Elementary
Excelsior

Top 3 Middle Schools
1. Phillips Middle School
Chapel Hill

2. Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh

3. Jay M. Robinson Middle School
Charlotte


1. Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka

2. Wayzata Central Middle School
Plymouth

3. Mn North Star Academy
St. Paul

Top 3 High School Schools
1. Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh

2. Providence High School
Charlotte

3. Early College at Guilford
Greensboro


1. Edina High School
Edina

2. Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka

3. Wayzata High School
Plymouth

Top 3 private high schools
1. Charlotte Country Day School
Charlotte

2. Durham Academy
Durham

3. Ravenscroft School
Raleigh


1. Breck School
Minneapolis

2. Blake School
Minneapolis

3. St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul

Top 3 private K-12 schools
1. Cary Academy
Cary

2. Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
Durham

3. North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Durham


1. Mounds Park Academy
Saint Paul

2. Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis

3. Breck School
Minneapolis

Top 3 School Districts
1. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill

2. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte

3. Wake County Public School System
Cary


1. Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka

2. Edina Public Schools
Edina

3. Wayzata Public Schools
Plymouth

How Much Do North Carolina to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,358 miles from North Carolina to Minnesota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,972300 ft3$6.57
1 Bedroom$2,936450 ft3$6.52
2 Bedrooms$4,856750 ft3$6.47
3 Bedrooms$7,0671100 ft3$6.42
4 Bedrooms$10,1991600 ft3$6.37
5+ Bedrooms$11,3841800 ft3$6.32

Top North Carolina to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Minnesota

9.51/10
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