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Pennsylvania to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 498 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs craftsman, colonial revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern Carolina BBQ
  • North Carolina housing costs are 26% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in North Carolina is 16.73% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to North Carolina movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Industrial landscapes
  • Dense urban areas
  • Higher cost of living
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Milder climate
  • Lower taxes
  • Natural beauty
  • Spacious living
  • More affordable lifestyle

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Far from major hubs
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • Limited public transit
  • Humid summers
  • Developing art culture
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Close to NYC
  • Historic sites
  • Broad public transit
  • Varied seasons
  • Rich arts scene

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to North Carolina with lower taxes
  • Swap the industrial landscapes of Pennsylvania for natural beauty in North Carolina
  • Get ready for spacious living in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close to NYC in Pennsylvania to live far from major hubs in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historic sites and have to settle for the con of fewer historical landmarks
  • Time to bid farewell to broad public transit and get used to limited public transit in North Carolina
  • Swap varied seasons for humid summers

Pennsylvania vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautEastern Carolina BBQ
Most popular street food itemPretzelsBoiled Peanuts
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakBarbecue Tempeh
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Cook Out
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 Pennsylvania to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern Carolina BBQ and Boiled Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Barbecue Tempeh of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Cook Out.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and North Carolina

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianCraftsman, Colonial Revival
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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsOpen floor plans, Energy-efficient appliances
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial Revival architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like open floor plans and energy-efficient appliances.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; North Carolina is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; North Carolina is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • North Carolina has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 26% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 16.73% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Carolina
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6289/67
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2050/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)385
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 19% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • North Carolina has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in North Carolina.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 4 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and North Carolina

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$71,798$67,481
Cost of Living Index99.795.85
State Income Tax3.07%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax1.51%0.85%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%6.98%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, ManufacturingAerospace, Biotechnology, Banking
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessManageableManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 6% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in North Carolina is growing compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Pennsylvania and manageable in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. North Carolina

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Carolina
Political Make-upSwing state with mixed urban/rural influencesLean conservative, with varying urban/rural dynamics
Local PoliticsDiverse, with progressive urban areasConservative rural areas contrasted by progressive urban centers
ReligionChristian majority with diverse religious communitiesStrong Christian influence, particularly Evangelical
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state with mixed urban and rural influences in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as lean conservative, with varying urban and rural dynamics
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as having a strong Christian influence, particularly Evangelical
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina

ComparisonPennsylvaniaNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State
University of Pennsylvania
Carnegie Mellon University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSouth Fayette Township Elementary
Wexford
Whitemarsh
Davis Drive Elementary
Cary; Morrisville Elementary
Morrisville; Sterling Montessori Academy
Morrisville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSewickley Academy Middle School
Sewickley; Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia; Charles F. Patton Middle School
Kennett Square
Ligon Middle School
Raleigh; Jay M. Robinson Middle School
Charlotte; MC Alphin School
Raleigh
Top 3 High SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia; Conestoga High School
Berwyn; Central High School
Philadelphia
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Durham; Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh; Early College at Guilford
Greensboro
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School
Haverford; William Penn Charter School
Philadelphia; The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
Charlotte Country Day School
Charlotte; Cary Academy
Cary; Durham Academy
Durham
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Shipley School
Bryn Mawr; Friends' Central School
Wynnewood; Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia
Charlotte Latin School
Charlotte; Ravenscroft School
Raleigh; Providence Day School
Charlotte
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Berwyn; Radnor Township School District
Radnor; North Allegheny School District
Pittsburgh
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill; Wake County Public School System
Cary; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte

How Much Do Pennsylvania to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 498 miles from Pennsylvania to North Carolina 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$1,262300 ft3$4.21
1 Bedroom$1,874450 ft3$4.16
2 Bedrooms$3,091750 ft3$4.12
3 Bedrooms$4,4871100 ft3$4.08
4 Bedrooms$6,4591600 ft3$4.04
5+ Bedrooms$7,1901800 ft3$3.99

Top Pennsylvania to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to North Carolina

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

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details