Movers

North Carolina to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 959 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Pulled pork BBQ vs Cheese curds), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs prairie, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled pork BBQ and Eastern NC barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 27.82% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

North Carolina vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQCheese curds
Most popular meat dishEastern NC barbecueBratwurst
Most popular street food itemHot dogsBrats
Most popular vegan foodSweet potato pieBeer-battered cauliflower
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • 12 Bones Smokehouse
  • The Angus Barn
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mader's
  • Culver's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from North Carolina to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Brats 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 Beer-Battered Cauliflower of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, 12 Bones Smokehouse, and The Angus Barn. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and Culver's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Wisconsin

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanPrairie, Bungalow
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 listingGranite countertops, hardwood floorsEnergy efficiency, lakefront access
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Bungalow architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference granite countertops and hardwood floors, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and lakefront access.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased 47% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 27.82% more affordable than in North Carolina.

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

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWisconsin
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, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/6882/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50/3028/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50.3"32.0"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4"48"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 12% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Wisconsin 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 snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 6 degrees colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 17 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 18.3 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Wisconsin

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$67,481$70,996
Cost of Living Index95.8595.65
State Income Tax5.25%3.54% to 7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.86%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%5.43%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Financial Services, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateAbove Average
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 5% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Wisconsin will be 0% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in WI is 3.54% to 7.65% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is above average compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in North Carolina and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWisconsin
Political Make-upMixed, leaning conservativeMixed, slightly more progressive
Local PoliticsVaries by county, urban areas more liberalUrban areas liberal, rural areas conservative
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant Baptist presenceDiverse, with a larger Catholic population
  • North Carolina tends to lean mixed, leaning conservative in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and slightly more progressive
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a larger Catholic population
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Wisconsin

ComparisonNorth CarolinaWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary School (Charlotte)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Community School of Davidson (Davidson)
Shorewood Hills Elementary (Madison)
Maple Dale School (Milwaukee)
Swallow School (Hartland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJayne Ellen Stokes Academy (Concord)
Piedmont IB Middle School (Charlotte)
Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Whitefish Bay Middle School (Whitefish Bay)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Kromrey Middle School (Middleton)
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Math and Science (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Woods Charter School (Chapel Hill)
Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay)
Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Middleton High School (Middleton)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Provident Day School (Charlotte)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCannon School (Concord)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
University Lake School (Hartland)
The Prairie School (Racine)
St. John's Northwestern Academies (Delafield)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Watauga County Schools
Union County Public Schools
Elmbrook School District
Whitefish Bay School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

How Much Do North Carolina to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 959 miles from North Carolina to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,746300 ft3$5.82
1 Bedroom$2,597450 ft3$5.77
2 Bedrooms$4,290750 ft3$5.72
3 Bedrooms$6,2381100 ft3$5.67
4 Bedrooms$8,9931600 ft3$5.62
5+ Bedrooms$10,0271800 ft3$5.57

Top North Carolina to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Wisconsin

9.58/10
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