How we chose the best moving companies for your NJ to NC move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 87 New Jersey moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to North Carolina?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from New Jersey to North Carolina.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$961 – $2,790 |
$629 – $1,525 |
$384 – $710 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,720 – $4,574 |
$1,157 – $2,122 |
$439 – $842 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,099 – $6,964 |
$1,555 – $2,867 |
$546 – $994 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 478-mile move from NJ to
NC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from New Jersey to North Carolina
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New Jersey to North Carolina typically costs between
$961 and
$2,790.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$1,720
and $4,574
when moving from NJ to NC.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from New Jersey to North Carolina,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,099
up to $6,964.
Cost of moving containers from New Jersey to North Carolina
If you’re relocating from New Jersey to North Carolina,
you’ll typically spend between $629
and $1,525 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,157 up to
$2,122.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,555 and
$2,867. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from New Jersey.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Jersey to North Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$384 and
$710.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$439 to
$842.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $546 and
$994.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NJ to NC
Several factors can influence your moving costs from New Jersey to North Carolina. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in New Jersey, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from NJ to NC
Transitioning from New Jersey to North Carolina gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: New Jersey vs. North Carolina
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between New Jersey and North Carolina are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
New Jersey |
North Carolina |
| Average rent |
$1,368 |
$1,093 |
| Average home cost |
$534,773 |
$328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$97,126 |
$66,186 |
| Cost of living index |
114 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.7% |
| Average sales tax |
6.6% |
6.98% |
| State income tax |
10.7% |
4.5% |
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Rent is about 20% less expensive in North Carolina than in New Jersey, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
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Home prices in North Carolina are about 39% lower than in New Jersey, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in North Carolina are roughly 32% lower than in New Jersey.
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Moving to North Carolina costs about 16% less than living in New Jersey. You’ll save a lot, but smart planning is still key for a smooth move.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 21% lower than New Jersey, North Carolina offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax in North Carolina runs 6% higher than in New Jersey, so expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Income taxes are 58% lower in North Carolina compared to New Jersey. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in North Carolina vs. New Jersey
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how North Carolina and New Jersey compare.
|
North Carolina |
New Jersey |
| Population |
10,835,491 |
9,290,841 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Democratic 52-46.1 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
29ºF |
22ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
4″ |
23″ |
| Crime index |
24.69 |
16.2 |
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If you’re moving from New Jersey to North Carolina, you’ll find North Carolina has about 17% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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In the last presidential election, North Carolina leaned Republican, while New Jersey supported Democratic.
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The average summer high in North Carolina is 88°F, while New Jersey averages 85°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
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In winter, North Carolina drops only to 29°F, milder than 22°F in New Jersey.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
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In North Carolina, you’ll experience about 48 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 48 inches you’re used to in New Jersey.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
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In North Carolina, it only snows about 4 inches annually while New Jersey gets 23 inches.
Moving to North Carolina, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
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North Carolina has a higher crime rate than New Jersey, with a crime index of 24.69 compared to 16.2.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of New Jersey vs. North Carolina
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in North Carolina to New Jersey:
| Pros of living in New Jersey |
Pros of living in North Carolina |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Great communities |
| Diversity |
Low cost of living |
| World-class entertainment |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Leading education |
High quality of life |
| Superb health care |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in New Jersey vs. North Carolina
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from New Jersey to North Carolina:
| Cons of living in New Jersey |
Cons of living in North Carolina |
| Extreme weather |
Hurricanes |
| Congested population |
Bland weather |
| High cost of living |
High crime rate |
| High tax burden |
High tax burden |
| Terrible traffic |
Poor education |
Other things to consider for your New Jersey 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.
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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 your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
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State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a North Carolina moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in North Carolina, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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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:
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.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in North Carolina
Get excited to explore North Carolina. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from New Jersey to North Carolina?
Do movers transport your car from New Jersey to North Carolina?
What are the benefits of moving from New Jersey to North Carolina?
Many people are making the move from New Jersey to North Carolina to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in North Carolina has to offer, like great communities and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or North Carolina?
Living in North Carolina usually costs less than in New Jersey.
Housing
is more affordable in North Carolina,
with average rent about 20% less and home prices 39% lower than in New Jersey.
Taxes are also
lower in North Carolina, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by New Jersey residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Carolina?
Planning to move to North Carolina? A single adult should aim for an income of around $43,333 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $3,876 for an individual, or $6,644 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in New Jersey?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in New Jersey:
2 movers offer AAA member savings;
3 provide military discounts;
4 have senior-discount programs;
1 list student deals;
1 extend special rates to law enforcement.
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
New Jersey moving services
Popular New Jersey routes
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When relocating from New Jersey to North Carolina, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,720 to
$4,574, roughly
$1,639 for a container move, and close to
$640
for a rental truck.
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