Best North Carolina to DC Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from North Carolina to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 285 mile NC to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 150 North Carolina to DC moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in North Carolina compared to DC. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best North Carolina to DC Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
2Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
3Just Move It, LLC9.509.43Authorized For HHGContact
4Illuminated Moving & Packing9.479.5Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
6Greenville Moving Company9.419.48Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from North Carolina to DC

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 285 miles from North Carolina to DC will cost on average $1,720 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom NC to DC move is roughly $4,111. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in North Carolina and dropoff in DC as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve North Carolina to DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,159300 ft³3.86
1 Bedroom$1,720450 ft³3.82
2 Bedrooms$2,835750 ft³3.78
3 Bedrooms$4,1111100 ft³3.74
4 Bedrooms$5,9121600 ft³3.69
5+ Bedrooms$6,5741800 ft³3.65
*Please note: These North Carolina to DC moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & DC. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed NC to DC mover.
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Compare the 6 Best NC to DC Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Just Move It, LLC Logo

Just Move It, LLC

Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,771+ data points

PO Box 13774

Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709

About Just Move It, LLC

Just Move It offers some of the best local and long-distance moving rates. But that’s not all that makes it great....

Services

  • Local & Long-Distance Moving
  • Packing Services
  • Commercial & Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3250986 / 1148366

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Illuminated Moving & Packing Logo

Illuminated Moving & Packing

Exceptional9.47/10
based on 858+ data points

Hendersonville, NC, 28739

About Illuminated Moving & Packing

Illuminated Moving & Packing is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Asheville, NC, serving surrounding areas such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/17/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3605341 / 1226097

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
Greenville Moving Company Logo

Greenville Moving Company

Exceptional9.41/10
based on 444+ data points

301 Goldsmith St

Greenville, SC, 29609

About Greenville Moving Company

Established in 2022, Greenville Moving Company is a locally-owned business offering comprehensive moving services in Greenville, SC and the Upstate area....

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3808401 / 1384411

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to DC

Moving from one place to another always comes with its share of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from North Carolina to DC, helping you make an informed decision. We'll explore both sides of the coin through detailed comparison charts.

CONs
PROs
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lower job opportunities
  • More affordable housing
  • Slower pace of life
  • Minimal traffic congestion
  • Less diverse cuisine
DC iconDC
  • Higher job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Extensive public transit
  • Vibrant urban environment
  • International culinary scene
DC iconDC
  • Higher living expenses
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Fewer natural landscapes
  • Faster-paced life
  • Costlier dining options
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living areas
  • Nature and beaches
  • Friendly communities
  • Comfort food culture

In detail, moving to DC opens up a world of opportunities but also comes with its share of adjustments. For instance, while North Carolina offers a more relaxed lifestyle with its scenic landscapes and friendly neighborhoods, DC's vibrant urban environment is teeming with cultural institutions, like the Smithsonian Museums and historical landmarks. The job market in DC is notably higher, making it an attractive destination for professionals. Nevertheless, this transition might require getting used to the fast-paced lifestyle and smaller, yet more expensive living spaces. Dining out in DC introduces you to an international culinary scene, from the bustling food markets of Union Market to the renowned restaurants in neighborhoods like Georgetown. While you may miss North Carolina's spacious homes and comfort food culture, the rich experiences and opportunities in DC can offer a fulfilling new chapter.

North Carolina vs. DC Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between North Carolina & DC, highlighting how food is an integral part of local culture and daily life. By exploring the food scenes in these distinct locations, you'll be better informed about the culinary experiences awaiting you in your new home.

North CarolinaDC
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BarbecuePeruvian Chicken
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ TofuSpinach Empanadas
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Acme Food & Beverage Co.
  • Beasley's Chicken + Honey
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from North Carolina to DC, you'll find a shift from traditional Southern dishes to a more diverse and international cuisine palette. The iconic pulled pork BBQ in North Carolina gives way to DC’s famous half-smoke, a perfect example of the area's unique food identity. While North Carolina revels in its barbecue and down-home Southern meals, DC offers a bustling food truck scene featuring a wide range of items from tacos to spinach empanadas. Furthermore, DC's food scene is highly vegan-friendly, with plenty of options that cater to a health-conscious lifestyle. For an immersive experience, explore neighborhoods like the U Street Corridor in DC, where iconic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl sit side by side with modern, innovative restaurants.

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North Carolina vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate aspects between North Carolina and DC is crucial. These insights will help you understand the differences in housing costs, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

ComparisonNorth CarolinaDC
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanVictorian, Colonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious Yards, GaragesProximity to Metro, Eco-friendly features

Moving from North Carolina to DC, you'll find significant differences in housing costs and lifestyle. DC's walkability and bikeability scores are among the highest in the nation, offering an urban lifestyle that's hard to match in North Carolina. The architecture in DC, with its Victorian and Colonial Revival styles, reflects the city's rich history. Moreover, listings in DC often highlight eco-friendly features and proximity to Metro stations, illustrating the city's commitment to sustainability and public transportation.

North Carolina vs. DC Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another can significantly change your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding the weather variation from North Carolina to DC is crucial for a seamless transition. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and prepare accordingly.

Summer icon
87°F / 66°F

North Carolina

88°F / 71°F

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50°F / 31°F

North Carolina

47°F / 29°F

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50"

North Carolina

40"

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5"

North Carolina

15.4"

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNorth CarolinaDC
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesSnowstorms, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving to DC from North Carolina, you'll find the summers to be slightly warmer but with more humidity in North Carolina. Winters in DC tend to be colder with a higher chance of snow, which is a significant change if you're used to North Carolina's milder winters. Both locations experience a good amount of sunshine throughout the year, though North Carolina enjoys slightly more sunny days. Additionally, while both states deal with pollen and mold as top seasonal allergies, the types and intensity of natural disasters they experience differ, which could affect your preparedness plans.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from North Carolina to DC

Moving from one location to another comes with its set of financial adjustments. If you're relocating from North Carolina to DC, it's essential to compare the economic environment and cost of living to what you're accustomed to. This understanding will help you better prepare for your new life.

ComparisonNorth CarolinaDC
Avg. Household Income$67,481$101,027
Cost of Living Index95.85140.1
State Income Tax5.258.95
Avg. Property Tax0.860.56
Avg. Sales Tax6.756.00
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Pharmaceuticals, BankingGovernment, Professional Services, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerLower
HomelessnessMediumHigh

When considering a move from North Carolina to DC, you'll notice significant differences in household income and cost of living indices. DC's average household income is notably higher, which is crucial given the substantially higher cost of living index. While state income and sales taxes in DC are higher, its average property tax rate is surprisingly lower than in North Carolina. This shift in financial landscape is partly due to DC's dense urban environment and its focus on government, professional services, and tourism industries. Prepare for these changes to make your transition as smooth as possible.

North Carolina vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for a move from North Carolina to DC, it's valuable to consider the comparison of the politics between North Carolina & DC alongside the religious landscapes of each area. This quick glance aims to offer an insight into the political and religious makeup of the populations in both locations.

North CarolinaDC
Political Make-upMixed; leans slightly RepublicanStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsVaries by region; urban areas more Democratic, rural areas more RepublicanMostly Democratic; local government and policies
ReligionChristian majority, with a diversity of faiths representedMore secular; diverse faiths present

Understanding the political and religious makeup of your new home can help you integrate more smoothly into the community. North Carolina presents a mixed political landscape, with a notable distinction between urban and rural areas. On the other hand, DC is predominantly Democratic, reflecting in both the voting patterns and the policies of its local government. Religiously, North Carolina tends to be more Christian-oriented, though it is home to a variety of faiths. Conversely, DC's population is comparatively more secular, but still hosts a broad spectrum of religious beliefs. These factors can significantly influence your social interactions and community engagement in your new location.

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to DC

Moving from North Carolina to DC presents a myriad of changes, especially when it comes to educational options for your family. By comparing schools and education, this guide aims to help you make an informed decision regarding schooling options between North Carolina and DC. Understanding the landscape of education in both areas can ensure a smoother transition for your children.

North CarolinaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Howard University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Glenwood Elementary (Chapel Hill)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary School (Washington)
Hyde-Addison Elementary School (Washington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy (Charlotte)
Smith Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
McKinley Middle School (Washington)

Top 3 High School Schools

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Providence High School (Charlotte)
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School (Washington)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
McKinley Technology High School (Washington)

Top 3 private high schools

Charlotte Christian School (Charlotte)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
St. Albans School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Cary Academy (Cary)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Maret School (Washington)
The Field School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)

Top 3 School Districts

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
District of Columbia Public Schools

When comparing the educational landscapes of North Carolina and DC, it's evident that both offer a rich array of high-achieving educational institutions. North Carolina showcases a variety of top-ranked public and private options, with schools like the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and Charlotte Christian School distinguishing themselves nationally. On the other hand, DC excels in offering unique learning environments through institutions like Sidwell Friends School and Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, which are well-regarded for their academic rigor and illustrious alumni. Furthermore, DC Public Schools provide vast diversity and opportunities for students to engage in a multitude of cultural and educational experiences, leveraging the rich historical and political landscape of the capital.

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