Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to NC
There are many factors that influence
Alabama moving costs.
The cost to move from Alabama to North Carolina will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from AL to NC
If you’re moving to North Carolina from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. North Carolina
|
Alabama |
North Carolina |
| Average rent cost |
$925 |
$1,093 |
| Average home cost |
$227,508 |
$328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$59,609 |
$66,186 |
| Cost of Living Index |
88 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
3.7% |
| Average Sales Tax |
9.22% |
6.98% |
| State Income Tax |
5.0% |
4.5% |
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Rent is about 18% more expensive in North Carolina than in Alabama.
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Home prices are about 44% higher in North Carolina than in Alabama.
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The average income is about 11% higher in North Carolina than in Alabama.
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Cost of living is 9% lower in North Carolina than in Alabama.
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North Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 28%.
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Sales taxes are 24% lower in North Carolina than in Alabama.
-
Income taxes are 10% lower in North Carolina than in Alabama.
How life is different in North Carolina vs. Alabama
|
North Carolina |
Alabama |
| Population |
10,835,491 |
5,108,468 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
29ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
48" |
56" |
| Annual snow |
4" |
1" |
| Crime index |
24.69 |
21.48 |
-
The population of North Carolina is approximately 112% greater than the population of Alabama.
-
In the last presidential election, North Carolina voted Republican and Alabama voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in North Carolina is 88ºF
and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, North Carolina reaches the temperature of 29ºF
and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
-
You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in North Carolina versus 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
-
In North Carolina, it snows about 4 inches annually
versus 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
-
North Carolina has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index
of 24.69 vs. 21.48.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. North Carolina
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in North Carolina compared to Alabama.
| Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in North Carolina |
| Low cost of living |
Great communities |
| Tasty southern comfort food |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Top-notch college football |
High quality of life |
| Rich history |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. North Carolina
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for North Carolina.
| Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in North Carolina |
| Poor quality of life |
Hurricanes |
| Severe weather |
Bland weather |
| Restrictive alcohol laws |
High crime rate |
| Poor healthcare |
High tax burden |
| Cockroaches |
Poor education |
Other things to consider for your Alabama to North Carolina move
- Weather: North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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State licensing:
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division.
All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a North Carolina moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to North Carolina.
Get started here.
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Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in North Carolina
While you’re in North Carolina, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Biltmore Estate
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- USS North Carolina Battleship
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Zoo
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wright Brothers National Memorial
- Chimney Rock State Park
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Discovery Place
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
- Linville Gorge and Falls
- Carolina Beach State Park
- North Carolina Aquariums
- Outer Banks
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Pullen Park
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Dead Broke Farm
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to North Carolina?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to North Carolina?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Alabama to North Carolina
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to North Carolina?
The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to North Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in North Carolina such as
great communities and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or North Carolina?
It is generally cheaper to live in Alabama than in North Carolina.
Housing
is much more affordable in Alabama,
with average rent about 15% less
and home prices 31% lower than in North Carolina.
However, taxes are lower in North Carolina, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 10% less than those paid by
Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Carolina?
You should make approximately $33,693 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in North Carolina.
The cost of living in North Carolina is approximately $4,618 per month for an individual and $7,201 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in North Carolina you live
For example, larger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Best overall value
