($1,284) Movers From California to Raleigh
Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Raleigh, NC averages from $1,574 to $8,074 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Raleigh, NC to California guide.
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Moving from California to Raleigh, NC resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Raleigh, NC.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best California to Raleigh, NC movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Raleigh, NC.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Raleigh, NC car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.
Moving 2,678 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Raleigh, NC moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Raleigh is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Raleigh.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.
What is the average cost to move from California to Raleigh, NC?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Raleigh for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Size of the Move | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,284 - $5,664 | $1,356 - $3,484 | $1,484 - $2,876 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,108 - $8,074 | $2,533 - $5,335 | $1,574 - $3,459 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,356 - $12,012 | $3,423 - $7,482 | $1,989 - $4,505 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,678 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from California to Raleigh, NC will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Raleigh?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Raleigh will cost between $1,284 to $5,664. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Raleigh will range from $4,108 to $8,074, and a large move from California to Raleigh will cost from $7,356 to $12,012.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Raleigh?
Moving containers from California to Raleigh will cost you $1,356 to $3,484 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,533 to $5,335. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,423 to $7,482.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Raleigh.
How much is a moving truck from California to Raleigh?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Raleigh, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,484 to $2,876. A larger move will cost $1,574 to $3,459, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Raleigh costs from $1,989 to $4,505. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.
Is moving from California to Raleigh, NC a good idea?
Cost of living: California vs Raleigh, NC
| California | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,586 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $746,055 | $429,266 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $63,654 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 4% |
| State income tax | 13% | 10% |
Raleigh sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 7% more expensive in Raleigh than in California.
- Home prices are about 42% lower in Raleigh than in California.
- The average income is about 31% lower in Raleigh than in California.
- Raleigh has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 10%.
- Income taxes are 26% lower in Raleigh than in California.
How is life different in Raleigh from California?
| Raleigh | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 62-36 | Democratic 63-34 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 7" |
| Crime index | 27.14 | 27.88 |
Raleigh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Raleigh is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Raleigh voted Democrat and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Raleigh is 90ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Raleigh reaches the temperature of 30ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Raleigh vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Raleigh, it snows about 4 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Raleigh has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 27.14.
Considerations for moving to Raleigh, NC
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to North Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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1149 Montgomery Ave, San Bruno, CA, 94066 (415) 404-7400 |
| Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
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4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722 (559) 785-0316 |
| Grace Moving Company | Get A Quote |
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800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351 (209) 551-7772 |
Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Raleigh, NC:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Raleigh side-by-side.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Exceptional beauty |
| Pleasant weather | Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant recreational options | Quality education |
| High quality of life | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Quality healthcare |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Raleigh, NC:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Raleigh.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Heavy tax burdens | Quiet nightlife |
| Natural disasters | Temperamental weather |
| Terrible traffic | Allergy-inducing pollen |
| Strange laws | Urban sprawl |
Need a local Raleigh mover?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
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most popular
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8024 Glenwood Ave Suite 305, Raleigh, NC, 27612 (919) 371-2271 |
| Athens Moving Experts | Get A Quote |
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6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC, 27606 (919) 760-7774 |
| Excel Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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2612 Discovery Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27616 (919) 213-6694 |
Visit our best movers in Raleigh page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Raleigh?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Raleigh.
Museums in Raleigh
- African American Cultural Complex
- Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh
- Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University
- Haywood Hall House & Gardens
- Marbles Kids Museum
- North Carolina Museum of Art
- North Carolina Museum of History
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
- City of Raleigh Museum
- J. C. Raulston Arboretum
- Joel Lane House
- Mordecai Plantation
- Pope House Museum
Parks in Raleigh
- Pullen Park
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Yates Mill County Park
- JC Raulston Arboretum
- Neuse River Trail
- Lake Johnson Park
- Mordecai Historic Park
- Anderson Point Park
Sports Teams in Raleigh
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina FC (USL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)
Universities in Raleigh
- North Carolina State University
- Wake Technical Community College
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Montreat College's School of Professional and Adult Studies
- William Peace University
- Shaw University
- Skema Business School
- St. Augustine's University
FAQs
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Raleigh?
Because of the 2678-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Raleigh as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh, NC?
With the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 30ºF, most people move to Raleigh from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Raleigh during summer or winter.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Raleigh?
Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Raleigh.
