North Carolina to New Jersey Moving Guide
Updated June 8, 2025

Planning a 464 mile interstate move from North Carolina to New Jersey? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs New Jersey across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risk vs better public transport), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Taylor Ham/Pork Roll), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern-style BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Taylor Ham/Pork Roll & Italian Hot Dogs
- New Jersey housing costs are 56% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
- Rent in New Jersey is 41.53% more expensive than in North Carolina
- Moving from North Carolina to New Jersey will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,500
- Our top recommended North Carolina to New Jersey movers is Big G Movers, INC
North Carolina to New Jersey Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to New Jersey
- Hurricane risk
- Limited job market
- Long commutes
- Hot, humid summers
- Better public transport
- Higher salaries
- Proximity to NYC
- Milder summers
- Higher property taxes
- Traffic congestion
- Colder winters
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Lower cost of living
- Scenic beaches
- Outdoor activities
- Southern charm
Pros of moving from North Carolina to New Jersey
- Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to better public transport
- Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to New Jersey with higher salaries
- Swap the long commutes of North Carolina for proximity to NYC in New Jersey
- Get ready for milder summers in New Jersey
Cons of moving from North Carolina to New Jersey
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in North Carolina to live with higher property taxes in New Jersey
- You'll lose out on the pro of scenic beaches and have to settle for the con of traffic congestion
- Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to colder winters in New Jersey
- Swap southern charm for a fast-paced lifestyle
North Carolina vs. New Jersey: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | North Carolina | New Jersey |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled Pork BBQ | Taylor Ham/Pork Roll |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern-style BBQ | Italian Hot Dogs |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Saltwater Taffy |
Most popular vegan food | Sweet Potato Pie | Vegan Pizza |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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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 New Jersey, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Taylor Ham/Pork Roll of New Jersey. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern-style BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, New Jersey residents know they have tasty Italian Hot Dogs and Saltwater Taffy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato Pie they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pizza of New Jersey. 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 The Chef and the Farmer. After the boxes are unpacked in New Jersey, don't wait too long before making your way to New Jersey's acclaimed eateries like White House Sub Shop, Carlo's Bakery, and Don's Original.
When comparing lifestyles, New Jersey shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in New Jersey compared to what you are used to in North Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in New Jersey.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and New Jersey
Comparison | North Carolina | New Jersey |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Colonial | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, garages | Proximity to transit, updated kitchens |
- The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of New Jersey.
- Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, New Jersey real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to transit and updated kitchens.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. New Jersey is more walkable than North Carolina.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. New Jersey is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
- New Jersey has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
- New Jersey housing costs are 56% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $512,908 compared to North Carolinaβs $329,225.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Jersey have increased 50% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
- Rent in New Jersey is 41.53% more expensive than in North Carolina.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and New Jersey
Comparison | North Carolina | New Jersey |
---|---|---|
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, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Nor'easters |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 88Β°F / 66Β°F | 85Β°F / 66Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 40Β°F / 25Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 47" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 4" | 23" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to New Jersey. New Jersey gets 3% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
- New Jersey has lower 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey.
- The average summer high temperature in New Jersey is 3 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
- The average winter lows in New Jersey are 5 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in New Jersey. New Jersey receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and New Jersey
Comparison | North Carolina | New Jersey |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $96,346 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 129.7 |
State Income Tax | 5.25% | 1.4% to 10.75% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.84% | 2.21% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.98% | 6.625% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing | Finance, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New Jersey tend to earn about 43% more than in North Carolina
- The COLI in New Jersey will be 35% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
- The state income tax in NJ is 1.4% to 10.75% compared to 5.25% in NC
- The affluence in New Jersey is high compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
- The poverty level is low in New Jersey compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and low in New Jersey
Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. New Jersey
Comparison | North Carolina | New Jersey |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing State, fluctuating between Democratic and Republican | Leans Democratic, with consistent support in federal elections |
Local Politics | Moderate with a mix of conservative and liberal local governments | Liberal, especially in urban areas like <a href="https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jersey City</a> and Newark |
Religion | Christian majority, with a significant Protestant presence | Diverse religious landscape, including significant Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities |
- North Carolina tends to lean swing State, fluctuating between Democratic and Republican in its political climate
- New Jersey, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, with consistent support in federal elections
- New Jersey's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape, including significant Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities
- North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a significant Protestant presence
Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to New Jersey
Comparison | North Carolina | New Jersey |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | UNC Chapel Hill NC State University Appalachian State University | Rutgers University Princeton University The College of New Jersey |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Endhaven Elementary - Charlotte Morrisville Elementary - Morrisville Davis Drive Elementary - Cary | Purnell School - Pottersville Littlebrook Elementary School - Princeton Hilldale Elementary School - Pine Brook |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Jay M. Robinson Middle - Charlotte Mills Park Middle - Cary Ligon Middle - Raleigh | Princeton Charter School - Princeton Thomas R. Grover Middle School - Princeton Junction Community Middle School - Plainsboro |
Top 3 High School Schools | Green Hope High - Cary Ardrey Kell High - Charlotte Raleigh Charter High - Raleigh | High Technology High School - Lincroft Bergen County Academies - Hackensack Princeton High School - Princeton |
Top 3 private high schools | Charlotte Country Day School - Charlotte Durham Academy - Durham Cary Academy - Cary | Peddie School - Hightstown The Lawrenceville School - Lawrenceville The Pingry School - Basking Ridge |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Cary Academy - Cary Providence Day School - Charlotte Ravenscroft School - Raleigh | Newark Academy - Livingston The Pennington School - Pennington Dwight-Englewood School - Englewood |
Top 3 School Districts | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | Princeton Public Schools Millburn Township Schools Livingston Public Schools |
How Much Do North Carolina to New Jersey Movers Cost?
Moving 464 miles from North Carolina to New Jersey will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,246 | 300 ft3 | $4.15 |
1 Bedroom | $1,849 | 450 ft3 | $4.11 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,051 | 750 ft3 | $4.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,427 | 1100 ft3 | $4.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,372 | 1600 ft3 | $3.98 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,092 | 1800 ft3 | $3.94 |
Top North Carolina to New Jersey Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to New Jersey movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Big G Movers, INC
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to New Jersey