When relocating from Massachusetts to North Carolina, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,030 to
$5,128, roughly
$1,837 for a container move, and close to
$788
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Massachusetts to North Carolina?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,105 – $3,514 | $747 – $1,705 | $520 – $920 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,030 – $5,128 | $1,242 – $2,433 | $507 – $1,070 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,676 – $7,770 | $1,749 – $3,128 | $662 – $1,403 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,105 – $3,514
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,030 – $5,128
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,676 – $7,770
How much do moving containers cost from Massachusetts to North Carolina?
- Small move: $747 – $1,705
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,242 – $2,433
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,749 – $3,128
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $520 – $920
- 2–3 bedrooms: $507 – $1,070
- 4+ bedrooms: $662 – $1,403
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 712-mile move from MA to NC using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from MA to NC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Massachusetts | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,588 | $1,093 |
| Average home cost | $623,131 | $328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $66,186 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% | 3.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.25% | 6.98% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 4.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in North Carolina?
Rent is about 31% lower in North Carolina than in Massachusetts.
Avg rent: $1,588 vs. $1,093
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 47% lower in North Carolina than in Massachusetts.
Avg home value: $623,131 vs. $328,715
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 31% lower in North Carolina than in Massachusetts.
Avg income (per capita): $96,505 vs. $66,186
Is the overall cost of living higher in North Carolina?
The cost of living is about the same in Massachusetts and North Carolina.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 12% higher in North Carolina than in Massachusetts.
Avg sales tax: 6.25% vs. 6.98%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 50% lower in North Carolina than in Massachusetts.
State income tax: 9.0% vs. 4.5%
How is daily life different in North Carolina compared to Massachusetts?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| North Carolina | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,835,491 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 29ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 49″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 24.69 | 13.92 |
Will North Carolina feel more crowded than Massachusetts?
North Carolina is about 55% more populous than Massachusetts — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, North Carolina voted Republican while Massachusetts voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: North Carolina is hotter on average (88°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: North Carolina is milder on average (29°F vs. 16°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in North Carolina?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (48″ vs. 49″).
Snow: North Carolina gets less snow (4 inches vs. 47 inches).
Is North Carolina safer than Massachusetts?
North Carolina has a higher crime index than Massachusetts (24.69 vs. 13.92). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in North Carolina?
Museums in North Carolina
- Biltmore
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Greensboro Science Center
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Parks in North Carolina
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
- Mingo Falls
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Fontana Lake
Sports teams in North Carolina
- Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
- Carolina Panthers (NFL)
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Charlotte FC (MLS)
Universities in North Carolina
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- East Carolina University
- Appalachian State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Massachusetts to North Carolina move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a North Carolina moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in North Carolina, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. 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.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in North Carolina?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in North Carolina?
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).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a North Carolina moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in North Carolina?
No moving permit is required in North Carolina, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. 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.
Some movers in Massachusetts offer discounts: 1 military discounts; 3 senior discounts; 6 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
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