Moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem, NC
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Quick answer: Moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem costs between $133 to $4,485 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 103-mile route within North Carolina take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Raleigh to Winston-Salem
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Raleigh to driving and unloading in Winston-Salem, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 103 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,213 - $3,556 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $984 - $1,890 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $128 - $215 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Next Stop Movers | $93/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Winston-Salem?
It costs between $133 to $4,485 to move from Raleigh to Winston-Salem. The prices below break down your 103-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $688 - $4,485
- Moving containers: $832 - $2,202
- Rental trucks: $133 - $236
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $688 - $3,037 | $832 - $1,406 | $133 - $188 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,213 - $3,556 | $984 - $1,890 | $128 - $215 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,734 - $4,485 | $1,405 - $2,202 | $152 - $236 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $318 - $2,650+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $93/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $212 - $848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $212 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Raleigh to Winston-Salem
At 103 miles, your Raleigh to Winston-Salem move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Raleigh to Winston-Salem. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout North Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 103 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Raleigh to Winston-Salem. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 93.2% of their 397 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem to Raleigh guide.
Considerations when moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem
Cost of living: Raleigh vs. Winston-Salem
Comparing life in Raleigh and Winston-Salem goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Winston-Salem stacks up against Raleigh.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Raleigh | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,670 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $378,862 | $208,184 |
| Average income (per capita) | $82,424 | $57,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.25% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Winston-Salem are 22% lower than in Raleigh, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
- Home prices in Winston-Salem are 45% lower than in Raleigh, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
- Income in Winston-Salem is 30% lower than in Raleigh, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
- Moving to Winston-Salem means you’ll spend 60% less on living expenses than you would in Raleigh. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
- If you’re relocating to Winston-Salem, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 13% lower than in Raleigh. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Winston-Salem is 21% higher than in Raleigh. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes match in Winston-Salem and Raleigh, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Raleigh, you’d need roughly $1,200 to maintain the same lifestyle in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Winston-Salem
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Winston-Salem compared to Raleigh. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Raleigh | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 249,545 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 45" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 6" |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 32.67 |
Winston-Salem sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Winston-Salem has about 47% fewer people than Raleigh. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Raleigh and Winston-Salem both voted Republican in the last election.
- Moving between Raleigh and Winston-Salem won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 88°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Raleigh and Winston-Salem experience similar lows—expect 30°F in Raleigh and 28°F in Winston-Salem.
- Both Raleigh and Winston-Salem experience similar annual rainfall, with Raleigh receiving 46 inches and Winston-Salem getting 45 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Raleigh and Winston-Salem, with Raleigh getting about 4 inches and Winston-Salem seeing 6 inches.
- You’ll feel safer in Winston-Salem, thanks to its lower crime index (32.67) compared to Raleigh (38.87).
Things to do in Winston-Salem
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Winston-Salem.
Museums in Winston-Salem
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens
- Frank L Horton Museum Center
- Kaleideum Downtown
- Kaleideum North
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Parks in Winston-Salem
- REYNOLDA ESTATE
- SALEM LAKE
- QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE
- POLO PARK
- HATHAWAY PARK
Sports teams in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)
- Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)
- Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)
- Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)
- Wake Forest (NCAA)
Universities in Winston-Salem
- Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem State University
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- Salem College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Raleigh to Winston-Salem?
Shipping furniture from Raleigh to Winston-Salem with a mover will cost between $620 and $2,438. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,213–$3,556, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Raleigh to Winston-Salem will cost from $1,734–$4,485.
How much are moving container companies from Raleigh to Winston-Salem?
If you're moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $594 to $1,320. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $984 and $1,890. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,405 up to $2,202.
How much is a moving truck from Raleigh to Winston-Salem?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $121 and $182. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $128 to $215. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Raleigh to Winston-Salem, truck rental prices typically range from $152 up to $236.
How far in advance should I book Raleigh-to-Winston-Salem movers?
For a smooth move from Raleigh to Winston-Salem, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Winston-Salem?
To score the best moving deals to Winston-Salem, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
