($797+) Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Raleigh, NC, runs anywhere from $789 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,847 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,217 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,227, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,847 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,336 - $4,441, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $789 - $2,116.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Raleigh, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,937 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis to Raleigh: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,937 - $7,092. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,217-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,217-mile route from Minneapolis to Raleigh, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,227 for a studio up to $8,847 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,336 - $4,441 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $789 - $2,116, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,179 - $3,553, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC
Full-service movers for the 1,217-mile relocation from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Raleigh, North Carolina, cost between $2,227 and $8,847. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $320 - $2,132, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Minneapolis typically charge a base rate around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,227 - $5,645
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,937 - $7,092
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,889 - $8,847
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Minneapolis to Raleigh.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Raleigh, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Raleigh?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Minneapolis, MN. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Raleigh, North Carolina, cost between $1,336 and $4,441. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Minneapolis costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,358
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,171 - $4,441
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Raleigh, NC. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $746 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $80 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $160 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to North Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,336. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,671 - $3,252, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Raleigh?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Minneapolis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Minneapolis:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC
Plan on $789 - $2,116 for a rental moving truck on the 1,217-mile route from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Raleigh, North Carolina. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $413 - $472
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis to Raleigh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $789 - $1,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $837 - $1,735
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,116
Pro tip: The base rate of $789 - $2,116 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Minneapolis to Raleigh. Fuel ($413 - $472) , lodging at around $160/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $160 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $69 and $346 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $413 - $472 in fuel for the 1,217-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $746 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Raleigh?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC
For larger DIY moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,378 and $2,845.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,179 - $2,144
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,378 - $2,845
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,920 - $3,553
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $746.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $80 and $160 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Raleigh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Raleigh fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Raleigh, NC
Minneapolis and Raleigh land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 107 in Minneapolis and 106 in Raleigh, and rent tracks closely too ($1,484/mo vs. $1,670/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (71 vs 31) and safety scores (43.94 vs 60.13) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh, NC to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to North Carolina in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 49 movers based in Minnesota, handy for sizing up options on this 1,217-mile route.
Our take
A move from Minneapolis, MN, to Raleigh, NC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,227 - $8,847 on the 1,217-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,336 - $4,441, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $789 - $2,116. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,937 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Raleigh tend to point to exceptional beauty and ample economic opportunity, though high cost of living and quiet nightlife come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include State of North Carolina and WakeMed.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Raleigh, NC
How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
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).
What do local movers charge in Minneapolis?
Local movers based in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $109/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Raleigh run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $2,227 to $8,847, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,227 and $8,847, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN to Raleigh, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $837 - $1,735. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
