North Carolina to Montana Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

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
- Hurricanes
- High humidity
- Growing traffic congestion
- Urban sprawl
- Minimal natural disasters
- Crisp mountain air
- Open roads
- Natural landscapes
- Harsh winters
- Fewer dining options
- Less historical depth
- Sparser cultural scene
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Montana |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled pork BBQ | Huckleberry pie |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern NC barbecue | Buffalo steak |
Most popular street food item | Boiled peanuts | Elk burgers |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ jackfruit | Quinoa salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | North Carolina | Montana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Craftsman, Cabin |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, hardwood floors | Mountain 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 Carolinaβs $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
Comparison | North Carolina | Montana |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Wildfires, Snowstorms |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 88/65 | 82/49 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50/30 | 34/15 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50 | 15 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5 | 67 |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Montana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $67,631 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 99.4 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 6.9 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85 | 0.83 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.75 | 0.0 |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Education, Finance | Agriculture, Tourism, Mining |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Significant | Noticeable |
Homelessness | Manageable | Moderate |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Montana |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing state, with a mix of conservative and liberal voters | Predominantly conservative, especially in rural areas |
Local Politics | Diverse, with city areas leaning more liberal | Conservative at state level, with some liberal pockets in cities like Missoula and Bozeman |
Religion | Primarily Protestant Christian, with a significant Baptist presence | Less 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Montana |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Metrolina 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 Schools | Jay 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 Schools | North 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 schools | Charlotte 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 schools | Cary Academy (Cary) Charlotte Christian School (Charlotte) Greensboro Day School (Greensboro) | Petra Academy (Bozeman) Missoula International School (Missoula) Valley Christian School (Missoula) |
Top 3 School Districts | Chapel 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,398 | 300 ft3 | $7.99 |
1 Bedroom | $3,574 | 450 ft3 | $7.94 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,919 | 750 ft3 | $7.89 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,626 | 1100 ft3 | $7.84 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,467 | 1600 ft3 | $7.79 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,935 | 1800 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.

Just Move It, LLC
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Montana