North Carolina to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

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
Comparison | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled pork BBQ | Cheese curds |
Most popular meat dish | Eastern NC barbecue | Bratwurst |
Most popular street food item | Hot dogs | Brats |
Most popular vegan food | Sweet potato pie | Beer-battered cauliflower |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 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 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Prairie, Bungalow |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Granite countertops, hardwood floors | Energy 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 Carolinaβs $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
Comparison | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
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, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 88/68 | 82/62 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50/30 | 28/13 |
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
Comparison | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,481 | $70,996 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 95.65 |
State Income Tax | 5.25% | 3.54% to 7.65% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.86% | 1.68% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.98% | 5.43% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Financial Services, Agriculture | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Above Average |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed, leaning conservative | Mixed, slightly more progressive |
Local Politics | Varies by county, urban areas more liberal | Urban areas liberal, rural areas conservative |
Religion | Christian majority, with a significant Baptist presence | Diverse, 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
Comparison | North Carolina | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Endhaven 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 Schools | Jayne 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 Schools | North 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 schools | Charlotte 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 schools | Cannon 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 Districts | Chapel 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,746 | 300 ft3 | $5.82 |
1 Bedroom | $2,597 | 450 ft3 | $5.77 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,290 | 750 ft3 | $5.72 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,238 | 1100 ft3 | $5.67 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,993 | 1600 ft3 | $5.62 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,027 | 1800 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.

Elite Movers
Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Wisconsin