Factors affecting the cost of moving from WA to NCtoggle

There are many factors that influence Washington moving costs. The cost to move from Washington 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 Washington 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 WA to NC

If you’re moving to North Carolina from Washington, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Washington vs. North Carolina

Washington North Carolina
Average rent cost $1,900 $1,093
Average home cost $588,856 $328,715
Average income (per capita) $90,325 $66,186
Cost of Living Index 115 96
Unemployment rate 4.8% 3.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.5% 6.98%
State Income Tax 0.0% 4.5%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 42% less expensive in North Carolina than in Washington.
  • Home prices are about 44% lower in North Carolina than in Washington.
  • The average income is about 27% lower in North Carolina than in Washington.
  • Cost of living is 17% lower in North Carolina than in Washington.
  • North Carolina has a lower unemployment rate than Washington by about 23%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in North Carolina than in Washington.
  • Income taxes are 5% higher in North Carolina than in Washington.

How life is different in North Carolina vs. Washington

North Carolina Washington
Population 10,835,491 7,812,880
Political leaning Republican 51-49 Democratic
Summer high 88ºF 79ºF
Winter low 29ºF 31ºF
Annual rain 48" 38"
Annual snow 4" 18"
Crime index 24.69 37.32
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of North Carolina is approximately 39% greater than the population of Washington.
  • In the last presidential election, North Carolina voted Republican and Washington voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in North Carolina is 88ºF and in Washington, it’s 79ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, North Carolina reaches the temperature of 29ºF and Washington gets down to 31ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in North Carolina versus 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
  • In North Carolina, it snows about 4 inches annually versus 18 inches of snow in Washington.
  • North Carolina has a lower crime rate than Washington with a crime index of 24.69 vs. 37.32.

Comparing the pros of Washington 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 Washington.

Pros of living in Washington Pros of living in North Carolina
Beautiful landscapes Great communities
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
High quality of life Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful recreational opportunities High quality of life
Delicious seafood Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Washington 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 Washington for North Carolina.

Cons of living in Washington Cons of living in North Carolina
Constant rain Hurricanes
Bad traffic Bland weather
High cost of living High crime rate
High crime rate High tax burden
Natural disasters Poor education

Other things to consider for your Washington to North Carolina movetoggle

  • 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.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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: 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.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in North Carolinatoggle

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
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Washington to North Carolina?toggle

Hiring a full-service Washington moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Washington to North Carolina?toggle

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 Washington to North Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Washington to North Carolina?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Washington 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 Washington or North Carolina?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in North Carolina than in Washington. Housing is much more affordable in North Carolina, with average rent about 43% less and home prices 44.2% lower than in Washington. Washington has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Carolina?toggle

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.

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