Top local movers for Houston to Raleigh moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Houston that also provides long-distance services to Raleigh can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 49 local movers in Houston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Houston to Raleigh.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Raleigh?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,155 – $4,559 | $899 – $2,068 | $725 – $1,409 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,565 – $6,091 | $1,515 – $3,005 | $783 – $1,610 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,517 – $8,209 | $2,157 – $4,020 | $1,055 – $2,043 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Raleigh
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Raleigh typically costs between $1,155 and $4,559. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,565 and $6,091 when moving from Houston to Raleigh. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Houston to Raleigh, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,517 up to $8,209.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Raleigh
If you’re relocating from Houston to Raleigh, you’ll typically spend between $899 and $2,068 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,515 up to $3,005. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,157 and $4,020. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Raleigh
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Houston to Raleigh move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $725 and $1,409. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $783 to $1,610. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,055 and $2,043.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Houston to Raleigh
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Houston to Raleigh might be as low as $2,427, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,955.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Houston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $725 to $1,851 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Houston to Raleigh
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Raleigh runs about 119% higher for singles and -15% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $6,077 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $6,077 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,820 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 8% higher in Raleigh than in Houston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 64% higher in Raleigh than in Houston.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 96% lower in Raleigh than in Houston.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Raleigh, as the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 119% greater than in Houston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Raleigh could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 15% lower than in Houston.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Raleigh and Houston, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are 12% lower in Raleigh than Houston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- North Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Houston and Raleigh, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Houston | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $64.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $40.18 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Raleigh.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Raleigh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Raleigh.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Raleigh.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Raleigh.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Raleigh.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Raleigh.
How life is different in Houston vs. Raleigh
| Houston | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 467,665 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 39 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 38.87 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 60.13 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Raleigh’s population is about 80% less than Houston.
- Raleigh’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Houston’s score of 5.
- Raleigh is less walkable than Houston with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 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 Houston, which has a score of 49.
- Raleigh’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 38.87 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Raleigh is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 60.13 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Raleigh is Moderate, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Raleigh move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Raleigh without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to The City of Oaks? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Raleigh.
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
Now that you’ve made the move to North Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Raleigh. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Raleigh include museums and art centers 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)North Carolina FC (USL)North Carolina Courage (NWSL)Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Raleigh?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Raleigh. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Raleigh?
With many people choosing to move from Houston to Raleigh in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Houston to Raleigh take?
Covering 1,197 miles, the move from Houston, TX to Raleigh, typically takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Raleigh can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Houston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Houston can handle specialty items for my move to Raleigh?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Houston, 27 movers can handle pianos. 15 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
Popular Texas routes
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