Moving from Florida to North Carolina: Cost and Tips

Before you make your move from WA to CA, know the important factors that may affect the cost of your move.

Sergio Ocampo

Sergio Ocampo is a Chief Writer for moveBuddha keen to share his moving expertise.

Sep 21 · 5 min

In a year, the Census Bureau estimates that over 37,000 people are moving from Florida to North Carolina.

If you’re here, you’re probably one of them.

Well, you’re in the right place.

We’re here to talk about how much it will cost you to move from Florida to North Carolina.

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Florida to North Carolina is $2,300-$3,000 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?

Let’s dive right in.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from Florida to North Carolina?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,650-2,600	$1,510-$2,039	$1,045-$1,485	$887-$1,197
2-3 bedroom	$2,230-$2,800	$2,258-$3,048	$1,188-$1,688	$1,045-$1,411
4+ bedroom	$2,990-$5,750	$2,805-$2,787	$1,330-$1,890	$1,235-$1,667

*Rental truck estimates include fuel only. Add additional costs for lodging, food, and parking fees.
You can also customize your moving budget using the moving cost calculator. You can get more precise numbers based on your actual outbound Florida city and inbound North Carolina city.

Why the Wide Variation in Prices?

The many moving options available mean a wide range in pricing. Professional movers provide complete services from loading and unloading to driving the truck from Florida to North Carolina. With that premium service, you will pay more.

Moving container companies leave the loading and unloading to you. They do all the driving. While they are less expensive than professional moving companies, they are still not the cheapest option.

Renting and driving a truck from Florida to North Carolina will save you the most. However, a lot of work is involved. You must do all the loading and unloading and all the driving from Florida to North Carolina.

While it may cost you more, professional movers help make your move stress-free. Be sure to get at least three quotes as moving companies vary widely in price.

Inbound vs. Outbound Moving Demand Impacts Price

Where you’re leaving and where you’re going can affect your moving budget. The popularity of a destination allows moving companies to take more than one customer at a time for more efficient transportation. This sharing option can save you money.

According to the US Census, over 26,000 people left Florida for North Carolina in 2018. Make sure to ask any moving company you are considering if they are sharing their transport with other customers headed in the same direction. You may be able to make a deal.

The Impact of Moving Season

Another key factor affecting your moving budget is the timing of your move. Peak moving season can get pricey, regardless of how you choose to move. Between the months of April and August, most people are making a move, which jacks up prices.

If possible, plan your move during the offseason (fall and winter). You can save a lot on a move from Florida to North Carolina. Just compare the prices of the same move in March to one in July.

March 1st: $2,990-$5,750
July 1st: $4,735-$9,435

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Why Are People Moving from Florida to North Carolina?

For mostly economic reasons, people are leaving Florida for North Carolina. More job opportunities are available in North Carolina and for those who wish to stay in the Southern states, North Carolina is an acceptable new home.

New developments in the region include growth in technology and research, which compels young professionals who may have started in Florida to look for greater career growth in North Carolina. Meanwhile, North Carolina offers a similar low cost of living, so a Florida household budget works perfectly in NC.

Best Places to Move in North Carolina

Raleigh, North Carolina Perks

Career potential. A booming economy has put Raleigh on the map for the whole country. Not limited to a few specialized career areas, Raleigh has become host to tech firms, the medical industry, and startups.
Great healthcare. For many families and retirees accessible and high-quality healthcare defines their moving decision. Raleigh has some of the best hospitals in the country attracting some of the world’s most renown doctors.
Low cost of living. With so many benefits you would think NC would be pricey., But cost of living remains relatively low compared to other American cities. Both taxes and home costs remain reasonable.
A center for arts and culture. For many a creative environment is vital. Raleigh’s diverse community is host to world-class museums and theaters.

Charlotte, North Carolina Perks

Diverse neighborhoods, Charlotte offers a range of communities that fit you regardless of your paycheck or lifestyle. Many come to Charlotte because they have their pick of a neighborhood that welcomes them.
Astounding corporate growth. In the last ten years along, Charlotte has become a center for finance becoming the second-largest financial banking center after New York City. Lots of jobs and career opportunities fuel new residents.
Nature is nearby. While a thriving urban center, Charlotte still offers a natural backdrop to get away from the bustle. Mountains and beaches help you relax on the weekends.
Charlotte welcomes transplants. One of the most charming aspects of Charlotte is that much of the population is from elsewhere. You always feel like you belong only because nobody else did at one time. Newbies are welcome!

Durham, North Carolina Perks

A center for learning and jobs. Duke University calls Durham home. This is just one of the major employers for the city. New businesses thrive here, helping keep the unemployment rate to 3.8%, well below the national average.
Affordable living. The average cost of a home in Durham–$182,000–is around $75,000 below the U.S. average. Affordability along with job opportunities is the perfect storm for new professionals looking to lay down roots.
A center for Southern cooking. Hip new restaurants are thriving in Durham, drawing tourists and new residents alike. The cuisine keeps those hungry for new experiences satisfied with a diverse menu and lots of dining options.
Small city atmosphere. The most striking feature of Durham is that it doesn’t feel like a big metro area while supplying much of big city experience. The small city feel is intimate and vibrant at the same time. It’s a quality you can’t find in most American cities.

Asheville, North Carolina Perks

Small town, big city. Asheville offers the quiet and peace of small towns yet many of the amenities of a big city. A perfect blend for those who need modern life, but in small bites.
Some of the best national parks. The beautiful national parks in Asheville will delight the hiker and biker. The endless trails offer hours of exploration for those who love the outdoors. Add to this warm temps so the weather is always perfect for going out.
Jaw-dropping views. Because of the low population of Asheville, nature for the most part remains untamed. The spectacular views are one of the biggest attractions of this Southern town. Mountain ranges are sometimes worth seeing every morning.
Almost no traffic. There are more perks to low population. You will not find yourself snarled in traffic jams on your way to work. Welcome to low stress, fast commutes.

Greensboro, North Carolina Perks

A great higher education city. Greensboro is certainly a college town, but with options. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University are major education centers. The Research Triangle of Raleigh is also not that far away.
An environmentally friendly community. For those going green, Greensboro welcomes you with special city initiatives like HEAT (Higher Education Area Transit) to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. As a result, Greensboro has been named one of the top 10 best green cities.
A corporate center. Jobs are important and Greensboro is host to eight major company headquarters along with job opportunities spawned by its universities.
Greensboro has its own local cuisine. What is unique about Greensboro is that it has created world-class dining that’s mixed with local Southern favorites. This eclectic approach to cookery has created a unicorn for foodies seeking out completely new dining experiences.

Wilmington, North Carolina Perks

Beaches, beaches beaches. Perched on the oceanfront, the gorgeous Wilmington beaches offer hours of seaside leisure. Add to this: boardwalks, fishing, and swimming and you may not want to get out of the water.
Why golfers love Wilmington. Along with perfect weather for year-round golfing, golfers will also find some of the best golf courses in the country. The best part is that they are not set aside for the elite. Many of the courses accommodate the weekend player with affordable rates.
Touristy stuff for residents. The interesting part of Wilmington is that there is a lot of activities that you would probably do as a tourist. As a resident, you can plan out weekends around the aquarium, the Jungle Rapids, and the Battleship North Carolina parked right on the seaside for tours.
Great festivals all year round. Fairs and festivals are an essential part of the lifestyle in Wilmington. There is something for everyone from the North Carolina Azalea Festival to street fairs and free outdoor concerts themed to different months of the year.