($1,430) Movers From Raleigh, NC to California
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move 2,677 miles from Raleigh, NC, to California averages from $1,736 to $8,213. The move can take anywhere from seven to 21 days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Raleigh, NC guide.
The best Raleigh, NC to California full-service moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from Raleigh to California is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier.
We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 10 local movers in Raleigh and 281 throughout the Tar Heel State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the top long-distance moving companies serving Raleigh to California.
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
Cost to hire full-service movers from Raleigh, NC, to California
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
The best moving containers for your Raleigh, NC, to California move
Using a moving container for your move from Raleigh to California is a smart way to save money without taking on a full DIY move. With moving containers, you pack and load your belongings. They’ll handle the transportation, so you won’t have to worry about driving a massive rental truck across state lines. Plus, since moving containers double as onsite storage pods, you can take your time unpacking.
Here are the best moving container companies in Raleigh, NC, to make your long-distance move to California easier:
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Cost of moving containers from Raleigh, NC, to California?
The best moving truck rentals from Raleigh to California
Renting a moving truck is the most budget-friendly way to move from Raleigh to California — and it gives you complete control over your schedule. You pack, load, and drive the truck yourself, which means no waiting around for delivery dates or worrying about shared shipping space. If you're comfortable behind the wheel and want the cheapest way to move, this is the route for you to take.
Check out the top truck rental companies in Raleigh, NC, to help you hit the road to California with confidence:
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Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh, NC, to California
The best Raleigh to California hourly movers
If you need muscle but not a moving truck, labor-only moving companies are the way to go. These movers handle the heavy lifting — loading, unloading, and sometimes, even packing (for an extra fee). All you have to take care of is the transportation.
Here are the best labor-only moving companies in Raleigh, NC, to make your move to California easier:
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How much does it cost to move from Raleigh, NC, to California?
Below are average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck for your Raleigh to California move.
Hiring a professional Raleigh moving company will be on the pricier side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,430 - $5,936 | $1,480 - $3,957 | $1,669 - $3,237 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,263 - $8,213 | $2,904 - $5,652 | $1,736 - $3,736 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,557 - $12,723 | $3,622 - $7,857 | $2,286 - $5,015 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,677 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.
Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to California
The cost of Raleigh movers 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 Raleigh, 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 hiring the pros.
What to know before moving from Raleigh, NC, to California
If you’re moving to California from Raleigh, NC, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Raleigh vs. California
| Raleigh, NC | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,670 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $431,795 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $91,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 17% more expensive in California than in Raleigh.
- Home prices are about 103.2% higher in California than in Raleigh.
- The average income is about 135.0% higher in California than in Raleigh.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Raleigh by about 29.7%.
- Income taxes are 195.56% higher in California than in Raleigh.
How life is different in Raleigh, NC, from California
| Raleigh, NC | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 7" |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 28.43 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of California is approximately 8,246% greater than the population of Raleigh.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Raleigh voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87º F and in Raleigh, it’s 90º F.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59º F and Raleigh gets down to 30º F.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 46 inches of rainfall in Raleigh.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 4 inches of snow in Raleigh.
Comparing the pros of Raleigh, NC, vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Raleigh vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Raleigh, NC | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Exceptional beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity | Pleasant weather |
| Quality education | Abundant recreational options |
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | High quality of life |
| Quality healthcare | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Raleigh, NC, vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Raleigh for California.
| Cons of living in Raleigh, NC | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Quiet nightlife | Heavy tax burdens |
| Temperamental weather | Natural disasters |
| Allergy-inducing pollen | Terrible traffic |
| Urban sprawl | Strange laws |
Other considerations when moving to California from Raleigh
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California 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 California. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.
Museums in California
Parks in California
Sports Teams in California
Universities in California
FAQs
How long does a move from Raleigh to California take?
The time it takes to move from Raleigh, NC, to California depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If you’re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
What is the best way to get a car from Raleigh to California?
Need to get your car from Raleigh to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Raleigh to California car shippers.
Why are people moving from Raleigh to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather. On the other hand, people are moving away from Raleigh because of the high cost of living and quiet nightlife.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Raleigh?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Raleigh.
