Moving from Wilmington, NC to Charlotte, NC involves a lot of planning. It’s important to know what you’ll be getting into. We’re breaking down the pros and cons of moving from Wilmington, NC to Charlotte, NC.
Table of Contents
- Distance Between Wilmington and Charlotte
- Is Wilmington or Charlotte More Affordable?
- Schools in Wilmington Versus in Charlotte
- Transportation in Wilmington Versus in Charlotte
- Things to Know When Moving to Charlotte
- Moving Companies in the Area
- The Cost of Moving from Wilmington to Charlotte
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Distance Between Wilmington and Charlotte
The move from Wilmington, NC to Charlotte, NC is just over 200 miles. Charlotte is located northwest of Wilmington. This drive from the coast of North Carolina will take you roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Is Wilmington or Charlotte More Affordable?
The affordability of a town is one of the most important factors. Let’s look at the cost of living in Wilmington versus the cost of living in Charlotte.
Cost of Living in Wilmington
The cost of living in Wilmington is 4% below the national average and 1% above the state average. Housing and food costs are below average, with average monthly rent at $1,603 and average home costs around $395,223. However, utilities, healthcare, transportation, and goods/services are slightly higher than average.
Cost of Living in Charlotte
The cost of living in Charlotte is 3% below the national average but 2% above the state average, making it 1% higher than Wilmington’s cost of living.
Charlotte boasts lower costs for housing, utilities, and transportation. However, the city’s healthcare, goods, and services are slightly pricier.
Schools in Wilmington Versus in Charlotte
Understanding the educational offerings in a town is essential for planning your family’s or your educational needs. Both Wilmington and Charlotte provide options for public and private schools, as well as colleges.
Schools in Wilmington
The Wilmington area is home to one large public school district: The New Hanover County School District. The area also has a variety of private schools catering to students of many backgrounds.
Additionally, Wilmington offers many opportunities for higher education, including two 4-year colleges and two 2-year colleges. The notable public institution in the area is the University of North Carolina-Wilmington.
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Schools in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC, has five public school districts, some of which extend into suburban areas just outside the city. The town also offers a variety of private schools, catering to various religious beliefs and educational styles.
For those looking to further their education, Charlotte is an excellent place to live. Charlotte has 11 colleges, most with fewer than 5,000 students. The largest institution in the area is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Transportation in Wilmington Versus in Charlotte
Being able to get around easily in a city can make life easier. Walkability, bikeability, and public transportation are major advantages for residents. Here are the transportation options available in Wilmington and Charlotte.
Transportation in Wilmington
Wilmington, NC, offers reliable transportation services through WAVE Transit, which includes buses, shuttles, and trolleys throughout the city. A one-way fare costs $2, and a 31-day pass is $80.
In addition to the bus system, Wilmington has taxis and Ubers available. The city is also very walkable, especially in the downtown and beach areas.
Transportation in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC, also offers multiple transportation options, including Uber, taxis, buses, and a light rail system. The Charlotte Area Transit System operates both the bus and light rail services.
Charlotte is also known for its walkability and features bike-sharing stations throughout the downtown area.
Things to Know When Moving to Charlotte
Ready to make the big move to Charlotte, NC? Let’s learn more about the new city you’ll be moving to!
Best Neighborhoods in Charlotte
The Charlotte area offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit different preferences. Whether you seek a quieter environment or a more vibrant setting, Charlotte has options for you. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC.
- First Ward
- Ballantyne Village
- South Park
- South End
Top Things to Do in Charlotte
Moving to Charlotte, NC comes with a lot of new places to visit and activities to do. Here are the top things to do in Charlotte.
- Billy Graham Library
- NASCAR Hall of Fame
- Discovery Place Science
- Freedom Park
- Carowinds
The city is also home to many local restaurants. Here are some of the top restaurants to dine at in Charlotte.
- Mert’s Heart and Soul
- The Kings Kitchen
- Halcyon Flavors from the Earth
- Kindred Restaurant
Moving Companies in the Area
Looking for ways to make your move easier? Hiring a reliable moving company is one of the best options. Here are some moving companies in Wilmington, NC, and Charlotte, NC.
Moving Companies in Wilmington
Here are some of the top moving companies in Wilmington, NC.
- UniMovers- Labor-Only Moving Company
- Coastal Carrier Moving and Storage- Traditional Moving Company
- Little Guys Movers- Labor-Only and Traditional Moving Options
Moving Companies in Charlotte
Here are some of the top moving companies to choose from in Charlotte, NC.
- UniMovers- Labor-Only Moving Company
- Miracle Movers- Traditional Moving Company
- Two Men and a Truck- Traditional Moving Company
The Cost of Moving from Wilmington to Charlotte
Now that we’ve covered moving companies in the two cities, let’s discuss potential moving costs. Keep in mind expenses will vary depending on the moving company and the supplies you use. We’ll use UniMovers prices as an example since they operate in both Wilmington and Charlotte.
Cost of Labor
UniMovers charges by the hour with a two mover, two-hour minimum per move. The rates also depend on the number of movers assisting you. Here are the estimated rates for your area, which include loading and unloading your moving vehicle. Please note, the estimated hours do not account for the transit time between locations. However, with labor only movers, you won’t be charge for that time.
| Apartment/House Type | Size (square ft) | Number of Movers | Hours | Cost |
| Studio/Small Apartment | 400-600 ft2 | 2 Movers | 3-4 Hours | $360-$480 |
| 1-3 Bedroom Apartment | 700-1200 ft2 | 2 Movers | 4-5 Hours | $480-$600 |
| 2-3 Bedroom Home | 1100-1600 ft2 | 3 Movers | 5-7 Hours | $900-$1260 |
| 3-4 Bedroom Home | 1500-2200 ft2 | 3 Movers | 7-8 Hours | $1260-$1440 |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 2000-3000 ft2 | 4 Movers | 7-10 Hours | $1680-$2400 |
| Large House | 3000+ ft2 | 4-6 Movers | 10+ Hours | $2400+ |
Additional Moving Expenses
In addition to labor costs, there are a few other moving expenses to consider like a moving truck rental and packing materials. To keep these costs low, be mindful of what exactly what you need. When renting a moving truck, ensure you choose the appropriate size to avoid paying for unnecessary space. Additionally, you can look for free moving supplies in various places. For example, you can ask local stores for cardboard boxes they no longer need.
Conclusion
Moving from Wilmington, NC to Charlotte, NC has its pros and cons. The cost of living is slightly higher in Charlotte, and both towns offer similar transportation options.
Charlotte provides more choices for public and private schools, as well as colleges. There are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from and countless new places to visit and restaurants to try.
With the help of a local moving company, your move to Charlotte will be a breeze. This transition will bring many exciting new adventures!
FAQ
Charlotte’s cost of living is only 1% higher than in Wilmington, NC, so most of your expenses will be very similar to what you’re used to paying.
While Charlotte isn’t coastal like Wilmington, there are still plenty of local beaches! You can enjoy beach days on the lake, fishing, swimming, or lounging in the sun.
The type of moving company you choose depends on the services you need. Traditional moving companies are ideal if you want full-service packing, loading, driving, and unloading. For a more budget-friendly option focused on labor during loading and unloading, consider labor-only moving companies.
Jessica is a students at the University of Northern Iowa. She is majoring in English Education with a creative writing minor. In her free time she loves to read books of every genre, write short stories, and spend time with friends. In the future she hopes to share her love for reading and writing with her future students.
