($805+) San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC, runs anywhere from $805 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,005 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,394 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,125, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,005 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,313 - $4,599, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $805 - $2,261.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,824 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Moving options from San Antonio to Raleigh fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,824 - $6,689 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,394-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,394-mile route from San Antonio to Raleigh, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,125 - $5,070 | $1,313 - $2,351 | $805 - $1,622 | $1,170 - $2,339 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,824 - $6,689 | $1,796 - $3,282 | $880 - $2,026 | $1,313 - $2,764 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,924 - $9,005 | $2,323 - $4,599 | $1,166 - $2,261 | $1,895 - $3,863 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Hiring full-service movers from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, costs between $2,125 and $9,005. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,394-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Antonio and Raleigh. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Antonio tend to start around $192 plus $96/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Antonio to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,125 - $5,070
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,824 - $6,689
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,924 - $9,005
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 San Antonio to Raleigh.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of San Antonio movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Raleigh, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing85% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Evolution Moving Company | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling18% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Antonio to Raleigh?
North Carolina Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in North Carolina, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in San Antonio, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Moving containers from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, cost between $1,313 and $4,599. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Antonio runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,313 - $2,351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,796 - $3,282
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,323 - $4,599
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $679 in San Antonio, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Raleigh, NC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,313. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,796 - $3,282.
What are the best moving containers San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Renting a moving truck for the 1,394-mile move from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, costs between $805 and $2,261, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $430 - $492
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- San Antonio daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| 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 San Antonio to Raleigh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $805 - $1,622
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $880 - $2,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,166 - $2,261
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $805 - $2,261 does not include fuel ($430 - $492), lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Antonio to Raleigh typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in San Antonio, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $679.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $430 - $492 for the 1,394-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $315, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 1,394-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $291 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,313 and $2,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,170 - $2,339
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,895 - $3,863
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $146 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Antonio, Texas, typically costs $679.
What are the best freight companies from San Antonio to Raleigh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Antonio, TX vs Raleigh, NC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Raleigh, side by side with San Antonio on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Antonio, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,496/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Median home value | $216,453 | $378,862 |
| Average income | $62,917/yr | $82,424/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 4.3% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.5% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 51.94/100 | 60.13/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Texas to North Carolina over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 803 movers in our Texas network to compare for this 1,394-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,394-mile route from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC, run $2,125 - $9,005 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,313 - $4,599, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $805 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,824, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC
How long does a move from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Raleigh?
For families, Oakwood, Cameron Village, and Boylan Heights are worth a look in Raleigh. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Raleigh, Five Points, and North Raleigh tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Antonio, TX 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 $880 - $2,026. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Raleigh a safe place to live?
Raleigh has a safety index of 60.13 out of 100 and a crime index of 38.87, compared to 51.94 and 48.06 in San Antonio. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.