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West Virginia to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 348 mile interstate move from West Virginia to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job opportunities vs thriving job market), food & health (like Pepperoni Roll vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Roll and Ham and Beans, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern-style BBQ
  • North Carolina housing costs are 104% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in North Carolina is 73.38% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to North Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC

West Virginia to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to North Carolina

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Rural isolation
  • Higher poverty rate
  • Severe winters
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Thriving job market
  • Vibrant urban centers
  • Lower poverty rate
  • Mild winters

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Higher living costs
  • Heavier traffic
  • More crowded
  • Newer infrastructure
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Low cost of living
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Quiet and peaceful
  • Historical destinations

Pros of moving from West Virginia to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a thriving job market
  • Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to North Carolina with vibrant urban centers
  • Swap the higher poverty rate of West Virginia for a lower poverty rate in North Carolina
  • Get ready for mild winters in North Carolina

Cons of moving from West Virginia to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in West Virginia to live with higher living costs in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of scenic landscapes and have to settle with the con of heavier traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to quiet and peaceful and get used to being more crowded in North Carolina
  • Swap historical destinations for newer infrastructure

West Virginia vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishHam and BeansEastern-style BBQ
Most popular street food itemHot DogsBBQ Tacos
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CuisineBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Wild Ramp
  • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
  • Dem 2 Brothers and A Grill
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • The Pit
  • Bida Manda Laotian Bar and Grill
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 West Virginia to North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Ham and Beans and sumptuous Hot Dogs, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern-style BBQ and BBQ Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cuisine they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Wild Ramp, Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and Dem 2 Brothers and A Grill. 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, The Pit, and Bida Manda Laotian Bar and Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and North Carolina

ComparisonWest VirginiaNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Craftsman
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 listingLarge lots, Mountain viewsProximity to the beach, Modern amenities
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and mountain views, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the beach and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Carolina is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • North Carolina has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 104% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 73.38% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

ComparisonWest VirginiaNorth 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 DisastersFloods, SnowstormsHurricanes, Floods
Air QualityGenerally GoodGenerally Good, varies in urban areas
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6090/70
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41/2150/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 30% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • North Carolina has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and snowstorms in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in North Carolina.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 5 degrees warmer than in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 5 more inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and North Carolina

ComparisonWest VirginiaNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$54,329$67,481
Cost of Living Index9595.85
State Income Tax3.0-6.55.25
Avg. Property Tax0.570.78
Avg. Sales Tax6.416.98
Top 3 IndustriesCoal, Healthcare, ManufacturingFinance, Technology, Furniture
AffluenceModerateIncreasing
PovertySignificantNoticeable
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 24% more than residents in West Virginia
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in NC is 5.25 compared to 3.0 to 6.5 in WV
  • The affluence in North Carolina is increasing compared to moderate affluence in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is noticeable in North Carolina compared to significant poverty in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in West Virginia and moderate in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. North Carolina

ComparisonWest VirginiaNorth Carolina
Political Make-upConservative/Largely RepublicanMixed, with Conservative Rural Areas and Liberal Urban Centers
Local PoliticsFocus on Coal Industry and LaborFocus on Technology, Education, and Banking
ReligionPrimarily ProtestantVaried, with a strong Protestant Presence
  • West Virginia tends to lean Conservative/Largely Republican in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with Conservative Rural Areas and Liberal Urban Centers
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as varied with a strong Protestant presence
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to North Carolina

ComparisonWest VirginiaNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsStepping Stones Montessori (Charleston)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
North Elementary School (Morgantown)
Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Glenwood Elementary (Chapel Hill)
Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSuncrest Middle School (Morgantown)
Mountaineer Middle School (Clarksburg)
Bridgeport Middle School (Bridgeport)
Carnage Middle School (Raleigh)
Metrolina Regional Scholars' Academy (Charlotte)
Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Top 3 High SchoolsGeorge Washington High School (Charleston)
Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Linsly School (Wheeling)
Greenbrier Episcopal School (Lewisburg)
Wheeling Country Day School (Wheeling)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Parkersburg Catholic Schools (Parkersburg)
Trinity Christian School (Morgantown)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Cary Christian School (Cary)
Top 3 School DistrictsMorgantown Area Schools
Bridgeport Area Schools
Charleston Area Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Wake County Public School System

How Much Do West Virginia to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 348 miles from West Virginia to North Carolina will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,400300 ft3$4.67
1 Bedroom$2,077450 ft3$4.62
2 Bedrooms$3,424750 ft3$4.57
3 Bedrooms$4,9671100 ft3$4.52
4 Bedrooms$7,1451600 ft3$4.47
5+ Bedrooms$7,9491800 ft3$4.42

Top West Virginia to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to North Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details