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Washington to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 2,783 mile interstate move from Washington to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rainy winters vs sunnier weather), food & health (like Salmon vs Pulled pork BBQ), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Geoduck clam, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled pork BBQ & Eastern-style BBQ
  • North Carolina housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in North Carolina is 12.15% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to North Carolina will cost on average between $3,000 - $10,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to North Carolina movers is Seattle Moves & More

Washington to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to North Carolina

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • Rainy winters
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Earthquake risk
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Sunnier weather
  • Affordable housing
  • Less traffic
  • Stable climate

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lower wages
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer natural attractions
  • Limited tech industry
Washington iconWashington
  • High salaries
  • Diverse culture
  • Breathtaking landscapes
  • Tech opportunities

Pros of moving from Washington to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to rainy winters and hello to sunnier weather
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to North Carolina with affordable housing
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Washington for less traffic in North Carolina
  • Get ready for a stable climate in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Washington to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from high salaries in Washington to live with lower wages in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse culture and have to settle with the con of less diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to breathtaking landscapes and get used to fewer natural attractions in North Carolina
  • Swap tech opportunities for a limited tech industry

Washington vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemSalmonPulled pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishGeoduck clamEastern-style BBQ
Most popular street food itemTeriyakiFried Chicken
Most popular vegan foodVegan PhoBarbecue Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Ray's Boathouse
  • 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 Washington to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic salmon of Washington for the equally delicious pulled pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful geoduck clam and sumptuous teriyaki, North Carolina residents know they have tasty eastern-style BBQ and fried chicken to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the vegan pho they've grown to love, they can get ready for the barbecue jackfruit of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Ray's Boathouse, and Mamnoon. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like 12 Bones Smokehouse, Lexington Barbecue, and Buxton Hall Barbecue.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and North Carolina

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanColonial and Cape Cod
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 listingGreen spaces, Proximity to tech hubsHistoric neighborhoods, Coastal access
  • The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green spaces and proximity to tech hubs, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like historic neighborhoods and coastal access.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. North Carolina is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. North Carolina is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • North Carolina has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased 63% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 12.15% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonNorth 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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F88Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 37Β°F52Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3850
Annual Snowfall (Inches)54
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 40% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • North Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, 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 13 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows in North Carolina are 5 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and North Carolina

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$91,306$67,481
Cost of Living Index104.195.85
State Income Tax05.25
Avg. Property Tax10.85
Avg. Sales Tax9.296.98
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Financial Services
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessVisibleLess Visible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 26% less than in Washington
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to NC, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.25
  • The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to low in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Washington and less visible in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. North Carolina

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Carolina
Political Make-upLean LiberalSwing State
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areas like SeattleVaries widely, conservative in rural areas and more liberal in cities like Charlotte
ReligionLess religious overallMore religious, with a strong Christian presence including Baptist and Methodist communities
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as more religious with a strong Christian presence including Baptist and Methodist communities
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to North Carolina

ComparisonWashingtonNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Challenge Elementary (Bellevue)
Discovery Elementary (Gig Harbor)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Patriot Elementary (Fayetteville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational Community School (Kirkland)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Environmental & Adventure School (Kirkland)
Community House Middle (Charlotte)
Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte)
Ligon Middle (Raleigh)
Top 3 High SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)
Newport Senior High School (Bellevue)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School (Redmond)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Annie Wright Schools (Tacoma)
Seattle Waldorf School (Seattle)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Lake Washington School District
Issaquah School District
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

How Much Do Washington to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 2,783 miles from Washington to North Carolina 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$2,780300 ft3$9.27
1 Bedroom$4,148450 ft3$9.22
2 Bedrooms$6,876750 ft3$9.17
3 Bedrooms$10,0291100 ft3$9.12
4 Bedrooms$14,5081600 ft3$9.07
5+ Bedrooms$16,2311800 ft3$9.02

Top Washington to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to North Carolina

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