How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to NC move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 106 Pennsylvania moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,043 – $2,820 |
$635 – $1,618 |
$369 – $681 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,922 – $4,574 |
$1,192 – $2,144 |
$426 – $816 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,296 – $7,397 |
$1,617 – $2,981 |
$541 – $1,055 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 499-mile move from PA to
NC using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina,
you can expect prices to land between $1,043
and $2,820.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,922 to
$4,574 for the trip from PA
to NC. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,296 and
$7,397.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
Moving containers from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
will cost you $635 to
$1,618 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,192
to $2,144. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,617 to
$2,981.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to North Carolina
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$369
and $681
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $426
to $816.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$541
to $1,055.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to NC
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Pennsylvania generally comes with a higher price tag.
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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 PA to NC
Making the move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. North Carolina
A clear look at the cost differences between Pennsylvania and North Carolina helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Pennsylvania |
North Carolina |
| Average rent |
$1,110 |
$1,093 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$66,186 |
| Cost of living index |
99 |
96 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
3.7% |
| Average sales tax |
6.34% |
6.98% |
| State income tax |
3.07% |
4.5% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in North Carolina are usually around 22% higher than what you’ll find in Pennsylvania.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 10% lower North Carolina than in Pennsylvania.
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Since living costs in North Carolina and Pennsylvania are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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Unemployment in North Carolina is roughly 9% higher than in Pennsylvania. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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Sales taxes are 10% higher in North Carolina than in Pennsylvania, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
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State income taxes in North Carolina are 47% higher than in Pennsylvania, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in North Carolina vs. Pennsylvania
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in North Carolina and Pennsylvania compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
North Carolina |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
10,835,491 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
29ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
4″ |
38″ |
| Crime index |
24.69 |
17.62 |
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The population of North Carolina is about 16% smaller than that of Pennsylvania.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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Pennsylvania and North Carolina both voted Republican in the last election.
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Summer highs average 88°F in North Carolina, compared to 83°F in Pennsylvania.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
North Carolina has winter lows around 29°F, compared to 19°F in Pennsylvania.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in North Carolina and 44 inches in Pennsylvania.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
In North Carolina, you’ll get about 4 inches of snow each year, far less than Pennsylvania.
That means moving to North Carolina will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
North Carolina has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania, with crime indexes at 24.69 and 17.62, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania:
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in North Carolina |
| Low cost of living |
Great communities |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Low cost of living |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
High quality of life |
| Excellent education options |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. North Carolina
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina:
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in North Carolina |
| Harsh winter weather |
Hurricanes |
| Bad driving conditions |
Bland weather |
| Nuclear power plants |
High crime rate |
| Unpredictable weather |
High tax burden |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Poor education |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to North Carolina move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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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 proper licensing before hiring them.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a North Carolina moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in North Carolina, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
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Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to North Carolina right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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 ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in North Carolina
You’ll have plenty to explore in North Carolina! Check out these top spots to visit 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 Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Pennsylvania for North Carolina, drawn by advantages like great communities and low cost of living that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or North Carolina?
Living in North Carolina usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 2% less and home prices 18% lower than in North Carolina.
Taxes are also
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by North Carolina residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Carolina?
To live comfortably as a single adult in North Carolina, you should aim to make around $43,333.
On average, expect to spend about $3,876 per month, or $6,644 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Pennsylvania?
Many movers in Pennsylvania publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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For a move from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, budget between $1,922–$4,574 for full-service movers, around
$1,668 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$621
for a rental truck.
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