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North Carolina to New Jersey Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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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

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricane risk
  • Limited job market
  • Long commutes
  • Hot, humid summers
ProsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Better public transport
  • Higher salaries
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Milder summers

New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Higher property taxes
  • Traffic congestion
  • Colder winters
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Jersey
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQTaylor Ham/Pork Roll
Most popular meat dishEastern-style BBQItalian Hot Dogs
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsSaltwater Taffy
Most popular vegan foodSweet Potato PieVegan Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • The Chef and the Farmer
  • White House Sub Shop
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • Don's Original
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 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Jersey
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialColonial, 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 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 Carolina’s $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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Jersey
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, TornadoesHurricanes, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 66Β°F85Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F40Β°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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Jersey
Avg. Household Income$67,481$96,346
Cost of Living Index95.85129.7
State Income Tax5.25%1.4% to 10.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%2.21%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%6.625%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, ManufacturingFinance, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew Jersey
Political Make-upSwing State, fluctuating between Democratic and RepublicanLeans Democratic, with consistent support in federal elections
Local PoliticsModerate with a mix of conservative and liberal local governmentsLiberal, especially in urban areas like <a href="https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jersey City</a> and Newark
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant Protestant presenceDiverse 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaNew 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 SchoolsEndhaven Elementary - Charlotte
Morrisville Elementary - Morrisville
Davis Drive Elementary - Cary
Purnell School - Pottersville
Littlebrook Elementary School - Princeton
Hilldale Elementary School - Pine Brook
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay 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 SchoolsGreen 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 schoolsCharlotte 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 schoolsCary Academy - Cary
Providence Day School - Charlotte
Ravenscroft School - Raleigh
Newark Academy - Livingston
The Pennington School - Pennington
Dwight-Englewood School - Englewood
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel 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 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Express Haulers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,246300 ft3$4.15
1 Bedroom$1,849450 ft3$4.11
2 Bedrooms$3,051750 ft3$4.07
3 Bedrooms$4,4271100 ft3$4.02
4 Bedrooms$6,3721600 ft3$3.98
5+ Bedrooms$7,0921800 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.

TOP PICK
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to New Jersey

9.54/10
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