Moving from New Jersey to North Carolina

Those who are relocating from the Garden State to the Tar Heel State will notice a variety of differences. The cost of living in North Carolina is notably lower, particularly with home prices, property taxes, and insurance premiums. Although both states have lengthy Atlantic coastlines, North Carolina has more dynamic features, including a mountainous western region and twice as many wildlife refuges. Many of those who relocate from states in the Northeast also notice the “southern hospitality” found in North Carolina.

What’s the Price of Relocation? Estimating Your Move to North Carolina

What is the cost of moving from New Jersey to North Carolina? The approximate linehaul rate for a move from New Jersey to North Carolina is $3,600. However, the exact cost varies according to factors including the number of items being moved, the distance of the move, and optional services chosen.

We encourage you to request a detailed estimate using our long-distance relocation calculator.

What’s the Cost of Living in North Carolina

What is the cost of living in North Carolina vs New Jersey? Here are some comparisons of key factors:

• Housing: The median home price in New Jersey is $484,467 compared to $320,096 in North Carolina.
  
  
• Rent: The median monthly rental cost is $1,828 in New Jersey vs $1,272 in North Carolina.
  
  
• Utilities: The average utility costs in North Carolina are approximately $568.92 vs $656.78 in New Jersey.
  
  
• Food: Annual food costs are $4,737 in New Jersey vs $3,887 in North Carolina.
  
  
• Property taxes: The estimated annual property taxes are $8,597.69 in New Jersey vs $3,265 in North Carolina—more than a 50% difference.
  
  
• Car insurance: The annual auto insurance premium in New Jersey is $2,957 compared to $1,957 in North Carolina.

Based on this data, those relocating from New Jersey to North Carolina will enjoy savings on many common expenses.

Where to Live: The Best Cities for Newcomers in North Carolina

Some of the cities that movers from New Jersey should consider include:

Charlotte:

Charlotte is currently the state’s largest city, with a population of more than 900,000 residents. People are drawn to the “Queen City” because of its beautiful parks, great restaurants, and small-town feel. 

Raleigh:

As the state capital and home to nearly 500,000 residents, Raleigh is a thriving city known for its oak trees. Families residing in Raleigh enjoy the excellent school system and are only two hours away from some of North Carolina’s nicest beaches.

Durham:

Located in the Research Triangle, Durham has a population approaching 300,000 and is home to the highly-rated Duke University.

Attractions in Durham include the Museum of Life & Science, the Eno River State Park, and the Bennett Place Historic Site. Some of the best neighborhoods for families include Duke Park, Hope Valley, and Parkwood.

Asheville:

With a population that has risen from roughly 68,000 in 2000 to over 94,000 today, Asheville is a growing city. The city is located in western North Carolina at the crossroads of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers. According to a report from the Asheville Citizen-Times, the city is ranked among the top 20 Best Places to Live in the U.S. Attractions in the region include the Blue Ridge Mountains, excellent breweries, and many art studios.

How North Carolina’s Climate Compares to New Jersey’s

New Jersey and North Carolina have warm, humid summer weather. New Jersey’s winter climate is summarized as cold and occasionally snowy. North Carolina’s winters are cool in the mountainous, western regions and very mild in the coastal regions. 

The statewide annual average precipitation is similar, with both states averaging around 45 inches. The average daily temperature in December ranges from 32 to 47 degrees in New Jersey and from 31 to 60 degrees in North Carolina.

Tar Heel State: What Makes North Carolina Unique

Let’s explain what to know before moving to North Carolina. New residents should explore the following:

• Outdoors: Some of the beautiful natural sites include the Cape Hatteras Seashore, Grandfather Mountain, and Chimney Rock State Park.
  
  
• Guided tours: Popular tours include the Island Hopper Cruise in Wrightsville Beach, the Wild Horse Tour in the Outer Banks, and the Smoky Mountain Safari Adventure.
  
  
• History: Among the famous historical attractions are the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the Biltmore Estate, and the Playmakers Theatre.
  
  
• Food: According to VisitNC.com, some of the “must-try” dishes include biscuits and gravy, Calabash-style seafood, and Mount Olive pickles.
  
  
• Sports: The professional sports franchises in North Carolina include the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, the NFL's Carolina Panthers, and the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

Planning a long-distance move? North American Van Lines is here to help make the journey smoother. With 90+ years of experience and a strong reputation for exceptional customer service, we’ve built a trusted network of over 500 agents and affiliates around the globe.

If you're getting ready for an interstate move, let’s chat! Reach out today for a free quote — we’d love to help you get moving.