Movers

North Carolina to Montana Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 2,108 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricanes vs minimal natural disasters), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Huckleberry pie), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, cabin), 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 NC barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Huckleberry pie & Buffalo steak
  • Montana housing costs are 39% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Montana is 18.64% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Montana will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Montana movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Montana

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricanes
  • High humidity
  • Growing traffic congestion
  • Urban sprawl
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • Minimal natural disasters
  • Crisp mountain air
  • Open roads
  • Natural landscapes

Montana iconMontana
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer dining options
  • Less historical depth
  • Sparser cultural scene
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mild winters
  • Southern cuisine
  • Rich historical sites
  • Cultural events

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Montana

  • Say goodbye to hurricanes and hello to minimal natural disasters
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Montana with crisp mountain air
  • Swap the growing traffic congestion of North Carolina for open roads in Montana
  • Get ready for natural landscapes in Montana

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in North Carolina to live with harsh winters in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of fewer dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to rich historical sites and get used to a less historical depth in Montana
  • Swap cultural events for a sparser cultural scene

North Carolina vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMontana
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQHuckleberry pie
Most popular meat dishEastern NC barbecueBuffalo steak
Most popular street food itemBoiled peanutsElk burgers
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruitQuinoa salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Pit BBQ
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Allen & Son Bar-B-Que
  • The Huckleberry Patch
  • Buck's T-4 Lodge
  • 2nd Street Bistro
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 Montana, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC barbecue and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Montana residents know they have tasty Buffalo Steak and Elk 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 Quinoa Salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like The Pit BBQ, Lexington Barbecue, and Allen & Son Bar-B-Que. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like The Huckleberry Patch, Buck's T-4 Lodge, and 2nd Street Bistro.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Montana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMontana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Cabin
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 listingOpen floor plans, hardwood floorsMountain views, privacy
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Cabin architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and hardwood floors, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Montana is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Montana is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Montana housing costs are 39% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Montana is 18.64% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMontana
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, FloodsWildfires, Snowstorms
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/6582/49
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50/3034/15
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5015
Annual Snowfall (Inches)567
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Montana. Montana gets 11% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Montana has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and snowstorms in Montana.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 6 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 35 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Montana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMontana
Avg. Household Income$67,481$67,631
Cost of Living Index95.8599.4
State Income Tax5.256.9
Avg. Property Tax0.850.83
Avg. Sales Tax6.750.0
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, FinanceAgriculture, Tourism, Mining
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertySignificantNoticeable
HomelessnessManageableModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 0% more than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Montana will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in MT is 6.9 compared to 5.25 in NC
  • The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is noticeable in Montana compared to significant in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in North Carolina and moderate in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Montana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMontana
Political Make-upSwing state, with a mix of conservative and liberal votersPredominantly conservative, especially in rural areas
Local PoliticsDiverse, with city areas leaning more liberalConservative at state level, with some liberal pockets in cities like Missoula and Bozeman
ReligionPrimarily Protestant Christian, with a significant Baptist presenceLess religiously affiliated, but Protestant Christianity, including Evangelical, is prevalent
  • North Carolina tends to lean swing state, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters in its political climate
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly conservative, especially in rural areas
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated, but Protestant Christianity, including Evangelicalism, is prevalent
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant Christian, with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Montana

ComparisonNorth CarolinaMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Montana State University
University of Montana
Montana Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMetrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Endhaven Elementary School (Charlotte)
Morrisville Elementary School (Morrisville)
Hawthorne Elementary School (Bozeman)
Cold Springs Elementary School (Missoula)
Arrowhead School (Pray)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Chief Joseph Middle School (Bozeman)
Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
East Middle School (Great Falls)
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Providence High School (Charlotte)
Bozeman High School (Bozeman)
Hellgate High School (Missoula)
Sentinel High School (Missoula)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Billings Central Catholic High School (Billings)
Valley Christian School (Missoula)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCary Academy (Cary)
Charlotte Christian School (Charlotte)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Petra Academy (Bozeman)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Valley Christian School (Missoula)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Bozeman Public Schools
Missoula County Public Schools
Billings Public Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 2,108 miles from North Carolina to Montana will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,398300 ft3$7.99
1 Bedroom$3,574450 ft3$7.94
2 Bedrooms$5,919750 ft3$7.89
3 Bedrooms$8,6261100 ft3$7.84
4 Bedrooms$12,4671600 ft3$7.79
5+ Bedrooms$13,9351800 ft3$7.74

Top North Carolina to Montana Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Montana 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 Montana

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

Charlotte to Montana

Raleigh to Montana

Greensboro to Montana

Durham to Montana

Winston-Salem to Montana

    Fayetteville to Montana

      Cary to Montana