Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Raleightoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Raleigh can be as low as $1,304 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,849.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $670 to $1,669. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Raleigh

Chicago Raleigh
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,670
Average home value $295,743 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $2,572
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $6,077
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $6,077
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.3%
Sales tax 10.25% 7.25%
State income tax 4.95% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Raleigh are 18% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Raleigh are 46.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Raleigh is 96.4% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 374.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 29.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 52.22% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Raleigh are 29.27% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Raleigh are 9.09% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $14,242.97 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Raleigh

Raleigh Chicago
Population 467,665 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 31 77
Bike friendliness score 39 72
Crime Index 38.87 35.19
Safety Index 60.13 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Raleigh's population is about 83% less than Chicago.
  • Raleigh's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Raleigh is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Raleigh has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Raleigh's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 38.87 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Raleigh is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 60.13 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Raleigh is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Raleigh move

  • 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: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Raleigh. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Raleigh

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Oaks", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Raleigh.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Central Raleigh
  • Five Points
  • North Raleigh
  • Northwest Raleigh
  • West Raleigh

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Oakwood
  • Cameron Village
  • Boylan Heights
  • Hayes Barton
  • North Hills
  • Mordecai
  • South Park
  • Brier Creek
  • Stonehenge
  • Six Forks

Things to do in Raleightoggle

After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Raleigh has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Raleigh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Raleigh?

The best time to move from Chicago to Raleigh is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Raleigh?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Raleigh in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Raleigh take?

The 805-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Raleigh, NC, takes two to seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Raleigh.

Helpful moving resources