Wisconsin to North Carolina Moving Guide
Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 961 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder weather), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern Carolina BBQ
- North Carolina housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
- Rent in North Carolina is 38.54% more expensive than in Wisconsin
- Moving from Wisconsin to North Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Wisconsin to North Carolina movers is Elite Movers
Wisconsin to North Carolina Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to North Carolina
- Harsh winters
- Limited beach access
- Rural isolation
- Higher taxes
- Shorter summers
- Milder weather
- Beautiful coastline
- Urban opportunities
- Lower taxes
- Longer summer season
- Higher cost of living
- Busy urban areas
- Less historical charm
- Fewer craft options
- Limited freshwater lakes
- Low cost of living
- Friendly communities
- Rich local history
- Great breweries
- Freshwater lakes
Pros of moving from Wisconsin to North Carolina
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder weather
- Look forward to moving away from limited beach access and moving to North Carolina with beautiful coastline
- Swap the rural isolation of Wisconsin for urban opportunities in North Carolina
- Get ready for lower taxes in North Carolina
Cons of moving from Wisconsin to North Carolina
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Wisconsin to live with the higher cost of living in North Carolina
- You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of busy urban areas
- Time to bid farewell to rich local history and get used to less historical charm in North Carolina
- Swap great breweries for fewer craft options
Wisconsin vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Wisconsin | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Pulled Pork BBQ |
Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Eastern Carolina BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Fried Cheese Curds | BBQ Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Beer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version) | Smoked Jackfruit BBQ |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | 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 Wisconsin to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern Carolina BBQ and BBQ Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Beer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version) they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Smoked Jackfruit BBQ of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Myles Teddywedgers, and L'Etoile. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Skylight Inn BBQ, Lexington Barbecue, and Joe's Oasis.
When comparing lifestyles, North Carolina shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Wisconsin. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in North Carolina compared to what you are used to in Wisconsin. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in North Carolina.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and North Carolina
Comparison | Wisconsin | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Craftsman, Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakeside views, Spacious backyards | Proximity to beaches, Energy efficiency |
- The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of North Carolina.
- Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and spacious backyards, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to beaches and energy efficiency.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than Wisconsin.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. North Carolina is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
- North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
- North Carolina housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Wisconsinβs $294,909.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
- Rent in North Carolina is 38.54% more expensive than in Wisconsin.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Wisconsin and North Carolina
Comparison | Wisconsin | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
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 | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 79Β°F / 55Β°F | 88Β°F / 67Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 28Β°F / 13Β°F | 52Β°F / 32Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 34" | 50" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 48" | 5" |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 13% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
- North Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
- Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin, 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 9 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
- The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 16 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and North Carolina
Comparison | Wisconsin | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $70,996 | $67,481 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 95.85 |
State Income Tax | 4.65% | 4.75% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.68% | 0.84% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.44% | 6.98% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare | Financial Services, Manufacturing, Technology |
Affluence | Balanced | Growing |
Poverty | Moderate | Rising |
Homelessness | Stable | Increasing |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 5% less than in Wisconsin
- The COLI in North Carolina will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
- The state income tax in NC is 4.75% compared to 4.65% in WI
- The affluence in North Carolina is growing compared to being balanced in Wisconsin
- The poverty level is rising in North Carolina compared to being moderate in Wisconsin
- In terms of homelessness, it is stable in Wisconsin and increasing in North Carolina
Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. North Carolina
Comparison | Wisconsin | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Purple state with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters | Purple state, lately trending slightly more Republican |
Local Politics | Known for progressive cities like Madison | Diverse; liberal cities like Asheville contrast with more conservative rural areas |
Religion | Christianity dominant, large Protestant presence | Christianity prevalent, significant Baptist community |
- Wisconsin tends to lean towards a purple state with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters in its political climate
- North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as a purple state, lately trending slightly more Republican
- North Carolina's religious environment can be described as having Christianity prevalent with a significant Baptist community
- Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with a large Protestant presence
Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to North Carolina
Comparison | Wisconsin | North Carolina |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Wisconsin-Madison Marquette University University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill North Carolina State University Duke University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Swan School (Madison) Lake Shore (Mequon) Park Elementary (Cross Plains) | Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte) Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville) Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Whitefish Bay Middle (Whitefish Bay) Lake Shore Middle (Mequon) Bayside Middle (Bayside) | Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Brown Summit Middle (Brown Summit) Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay) Arrowhead High (Hartland) Brookfield East (Brookfield) | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham) Raleigh Charter High (Raleigh) Early College at Guilford (Greensboro) |
Top 3 private high schools | University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Marquette University High (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) | Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte) Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh) Cary Academy (Cary) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | University Lake School (Hartland) The Prairie School (Racine) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) | Ravenscroft School (Raleigh) Providence Day School (Charlotte) Cary Academy (Cary) |
Top 3 School Districts | Elmbrook School District Whitefish Bay School District Shorewood School District | Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Wake County Public School System |
How Much Do Wisconsin to North Carolina Movers Cost?
Moving 961 miles from Wisconsin to North Carolina 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 | $1,747 | 300 ft3 | $5.82 |
1 Bedroom | $2,598 | 450 ft3 | $5.77 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,293 | 750 ft3 | $5.72 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,242 | 1100 ft3 | $5.67 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,999 | 1600 ft3 | $5.62 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,034 | 1800 ft3 | $5.57 |
Top Wisconsin to North Carolina Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Wisconsin to North Carolina movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Elite Movers
Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to North Carolina