North Carolina to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 3, 2025

Planning a 492 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cooler temperatures), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs colonial, dutch colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern Carolina BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh Style Steak
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 14.33% more affordable than in North Carolina
- Moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
- Our top recommended North Carolina to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving
North Carolina to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
- Hot, humid summers
- Hurricane risks
- Limited public transport
- Urban sprawl
- Cooler temperatures
- Less severe weather
- Better transit options
- Compact cities
- No coastal access
- Higher expenses
- Fewer BBQ spots
- Colder, snowy winters
- Beautiful beaches
- Lower cost of living
- Rich BBQ culture
- Mild winters
Pros of moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to cooler temperatures
- Look forward to moving away from hurricane risks and moving to Pennsylvania with less severe weather
- Swap the limited public transport of North Carolina for better transit options in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for compact cities in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in North Carolina to live with no coastal access in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher expenses
- Time to bid farewell to a rich BBQ culture and get used to fewer BBQ spots in Pennsylvania
- Swap mild winters for colder, snowy winters
North Carolina vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | North Carolina | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled Pork BBQ | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern Carolina BBQ | Pittsburgh Style Steak |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Soft Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Seitan Cheesesteak |
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern Carolina BBQ and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh Style Steak and Soft Pretzels 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 Seitan Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, The Cheerwine Factory, and Buxton Hall Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in North Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Pennsylvania
Comparison | North Carolina | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Colonial, Dutch Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, garages | Historic details, close to amenities |
- The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to amenities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than North Carolina.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
- Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to North Carolinaβs $329,225.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 14.33% more affordable than in North Carolina.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Pennsylvania
Comparison | North Carolina | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
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 | Snowstorms, Flooding |
Air Quality | Generally Good | Variable, urban areas can be poor |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 87Β°F / 67Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 37Β°F / 23Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 42" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 4" | 38" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 16% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
- Pennsylvania 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 snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania.
- The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 2 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
- The average winter lows in Pennsylvania are 7 degrees colder than those in North Carolina.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.
Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Pennsylvania
Comparison | North Carolina | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 5.25% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.84% | 1.58% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.75% | 6.34% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Finance, Healthcare | Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 6% more than in North Carolina
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
- The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 5.25% in NC
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate in North Carolina
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in North Carolina
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and moderate in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | North Carolina | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Conservative/ Swing state | Moderately Liberal/ Swing state |
Local Politics | Varies widely between urban and rural areas | Urban areas lean liberal, rural areas lean conservative |
Religion | Evangelical Protestant, Mainline Protestant | Catholic, Mainline Protestant |
- North Carolina tends to lean moderately Conservative and Swing state in its political climate
- Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Liberal and Swing state
- Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as Catholic and Mainline Protestant
- North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant and Mainline Protestant
Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania
Comparison | North Carolina | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of North Carolina North Carolina State University Duke University | Pennsylvania State University University of Pennsylvania Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte) Davis Drive Elementary (Cary) Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville) | Albert M. Greenfield School (Philadelphia) Bradford Woods Elementary (Bradfordwoods) Fox Chapel Elementary (Fox Chapel) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte) Carnage Middle (Raleigh) Ligon Middle (Raleigh) | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Radnor Middle School (Radnor) Haverford Middle School (Havertown) |
Top 3 High School Schools | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham) Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Providence High (Charlotte) | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn) Central High School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 private high schools | Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte) Durham Academy (Durham) Ravenscroft School (Raleigh) | The Haverford School (Haverford) The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) William Penn Charter School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Cary Academy (Cary) Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte) Greensboro Day School (Greensboro) | The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr) Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia) The Kiski School (Saltsburg) |
Top 3 School Districts | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Wake County Public School System Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Radnor Township School District Lower Merion School District |
How Much Do North Carolina to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 492 miles from North Carolina to Pennsylvania 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: 2-4 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,259 | 300 ft3 | $4.20 |
1 Bedroom | $1,870 | 450 ft3 | $4.15 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,084 | 750 ft3 | $4.11 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,477 | 1100 ft3 | $4.07 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,444 | 1600 ft3 | $4.03 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,173 | 1800 ft3 | $3.98 |
Top North Carolina to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Pennsylvania