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North Carolina to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 2,778 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane season vs milder weather), food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Pacific Northwest crab cakes
  • Washington housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Washington is 13.82% more expensive than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Washington will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Washington movers is Seattle Moves & More

North Carolina to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Washington

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricane season
  • Expensive healthcare
  • Limited public transport
  • High humidity
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Milder weather
  • Better job opportunities
  • Efficient public transit
  • Lower humidity

Washington iconWashington
  • Higher cost of living
  • Overcast weather
  • Less sunshine
  • Traffic congestion
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Southern charm
  • Rich history
  • Delicious BBQ
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Washington

  • Say goodbye to hurricane season and hello to milder weather
  • Look forward to moving away from expensive healthcare and moving to Washington with better job opportunities
  • Swap the limited public transport of North Carolina for efficient public transit in Washington
  • Get ready for lower humidity in Washington

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern charm in North Carolina to live with a higher cost of living in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle with the con of overcast weather
  • Time to bid farewell to delicious BBQ and get used to less sunshine in Washington
  • Swap friendly communities for traffic congestion

North Carolina vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWashington
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQSalmon
Most popular meat dishEastern NC barbecuePacific Northwest crab cakes
Most popular street food itemBarbecue sandwichesSeattle hot dog
Most popular vegan foodBarbecue jackfruitMushroom bao
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herb Farm
  • Mamnoon
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 Washington, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC barbecue and sumptuous Barbecue sandwiches, Washington residents know they have tasty Pacific Northwest crab cakes and Seattle hot dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Barbecue jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom bao of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like 12 Bones Smokehouse, Stamey's Barbecue, and Buxton Hall Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, The Herb Farm, and Mamnoon.

When comparing lifestyles, Washington shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than North Carolina. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Washington compared to what you are used to in North Carolina. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Washington.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Washington

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWashington
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Modern
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, GaragesEnergy efficiency, Natural light
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Modern architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and natural light.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Washington housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Washington is 13.82% more expensive than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Washington

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWashington
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, TornadoesEarthquakes, Volcanos
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F75Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F47Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"38"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"57"*
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Washington. Washington gets 29% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Washington has higher 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 earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 12 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Washington

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWashington
Avg. Household Income$67,481$91,306
Cost of Living Index95.85104.1
State Income Tax5.25%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.86%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax6.75%9.17%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, AgricultureTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 35% more than they do in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Washington will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Washington compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Washington

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWashington
Political Make-upSwing StateDemocratic-Leaning
Local PoliticsMixed Urban/Rural DivideUrban Liberal, Rural Conservative
ReligionBaptist, EvangelicalLess Religiously Affiliated
  • North Carolina tends to lean swing state in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Baptist and Evangelical

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Washington

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)UNC Chapel Hill
NC State University
Duke University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary - Charlotte
Brooks Global Studies - Greensboro
Polo Ridge Elementary - Charlotte
Cascadia Elementary - Seattle
Challenge Elementary - Everett
Discovery Primary School - Gig Harbor
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMetrolina Regional Scholars' Academy - Charlotte
Quest Middle - Chapel Hill
Jay M Robinson Middle - Charlotte
International School - Bellevue
Odle Middle School - Bellevue
Washington Middle School - Seattle
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics - Durham
Raleigh Charter High School - Raleigh
Early College at Guilford - Greensboro
Lakeside School - Seattle
Newport High School - Bellevue
International School - Bellevue
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School - Charlotte
Providence Day School - Charlotte
Cary Academy - Cary
Overlake School - Redmond
Annie Wright Schools - Tacoma
Eastside Preparatory School - Kirkland
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharlotte Country Day School - Charlotte
Durham Academy - Durham
Greensboro Day School - Greensboro
The Bush School - Seattle
Seattle Waldorf School - Seattle
The Bear Creek School - Redmond
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Wake County Public School System
Lake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District

How Much Do North Carolina to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,778 miles from North Carolina to Washington will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $10,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,777300 ft3$9.26
1 Bedroom$4,144450 ft3$9.21
2 Bedrooms$6,869750 ft3$9.16
3 Bedrooms$10,0191100 ft3$9.11
4 Bedrooms$14,4931600 ft3$9.06
5+ Bedrooms$16,2141800 ft3$9.01

Top North Carolina to Washington Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina to Washington movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Washington

9.55/10
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