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North Carolina to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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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

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Hurricane risks
  • Limited public transport
  • Urban sprawl
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Less severe weather
  • Better transit options
  • Compact cities

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • No coastal access
  • Higher expenses
  • Fewer BBQ spots
  • Colder, snowy winters
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishEastern Carolina BBQPittsburgh Style Steak
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsSoft Pretzels
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitSeitan Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • The Cheerwine Factory
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
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 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanColonial, Dutch Colonial
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, garagesHistoric 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 Carolina’s $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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaPennsylvania
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, TornadoesSnowstorms, Flooding
Air QualityGenerally GoodVariable, urban areas can be poor
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 67Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F37Β°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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$67,481$71,798
Cost of Living Index95.8599.7
State Income Tax5.25%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax6.75%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, HealthcareManufacturing, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaPennsylvania
Political Make-upModerately Conservative/ Swing stateModerately Liberal/ Swing state
Local PoliticsVaries widely between urban and rural areasUrban areas lean liberal, rural areas lean conservative
ReligionEvangelical Protestant, Mainline ProtestantCatholic, 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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaPennsylvania
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 SchoolsEndhaven 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 SchoolsJay 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 SchoolsNorth 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 schoolsCharlotte 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 schoolsCary 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 DistrictsChapel 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 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,259300 ft3$4.20
1 Bedroom$1,870450 ft3$4.15
2 Bedrooms$3,084750 ft3$4.11
3 Bedrooms$4,4771100 ft3$4.07
4 Bedrooms$6,4441600 ft3$4.03
5+ Bedrooms$7,1731800 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.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details