($1,149) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Raleigh

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Raleigh, you can expect to spend between $1,149 and $3,880. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,303 to $5,728 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Raleigh typically runs between $3,581 and $7,664.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Raleigh

When moving from Chicago to Raleigh, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $792 and $1,938. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,410 to $2,641. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,763 up to $3,377. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Raleigh

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Raleigh. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $534 and $1,059. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $588 and $1,283. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $790 and $1,541.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 18% lower in Raleigh than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 46% higher in Raleigh than in Chicago.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 96% less in Raleigh than in Chicago.
• Plan for higher expenses in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person is 67% more than in Chicago. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• Moving to Raleigh could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 34% less than in Chicago.
• Raleigh experiences an unemployment rate that is about 52% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 29% lower in Raleigh than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Raleigh can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 9% lower in North Carolina compared to Illinois. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Raleigh’s population is about 83% less than Chicago.
• Raleigh’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s 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 of 39 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• 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.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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 “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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Raleigh smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Raleigh

After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Raleigh is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Raleigh offers cultural landmarks like the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, and Haywood Hall House & Gardens.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)North Carolina FC (USL)North Carolina Courage (NWSL)Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.