Key factors that impact the cost of your Montgomery to Raleigh movetoggle

The cost of Montgomery movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Montgomery to Raleigh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,402, while larger moves may reach $8,092 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Montgomery.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $507 to $1,216, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Montgomery to Raleigh

Moving from Montgomery to Raleigh comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Raleigh is generally more expensive than Montgomery, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Montgomery Raleigh
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,670
Average home value $140,563 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $49,989 $2,572
Cost of living (single person) $1,651 $6,077
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,569 $6,077
Unemployment rate 5.8% 4.3%
Sales tax 10.0% 7.25%
State income tax 5.0% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Raleigh are 39% higher than in Montgomery, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Montgomery.
    Home prices in Raleigh are 207.2% higher than in Montgomery.
  • Income in Raleigh is 94.9% lower than in Montgomery, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh include State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 268.1% higher than in Montgomery. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Raleigh, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 70.3% higher than in Montgomery.
  • The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 25.86% lower than in Montgomery.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Raleigh are 27.50% lower than in Montgomery.
  • One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 10.00% lower than in Montgomery.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $11,042.40 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Montgomery.

How life is different in Montgomery vs. Raleigh

Raleigh Montgomery
Population 467,665 200,603
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 2
Walkability score 31 26
Bike friendliness score 39 33
Crime Index 38.87 65.25
Safety Index 60.13 34.75
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • The population of Raleigh is about 133% greater than Montgomery, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Raleigh offers better access to buses and trains than Montgomery, based on public transportation ratings. Raleigh has a transit score of 4 out of 10 compared to 2 in Montgomery. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Raleigh means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Montgomery. Raleigh is considered more walkable than Montgomery, with a score of 31 out of 100 versus 26 out of 100 in Montgomery. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Raleigh is considered more bike-friendly than Montgomery in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Raleigh has a bike-friendliness score of 39 out of 100, while Montgomery is rated as 33 out of 100.
  • Raleigh has a lower crime rate than Montgomery based on scores of 38.87 and Montgomery's 65.25, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Raleigh than in Montgomery, based on Raleighโ€™s safety index of 60.13 versus 34.75 for Montgomery. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Raleigh and Montgomery is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Montgomery vs. Raleigh move

  • Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Raleigh. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Raleigh

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Oaks", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Raleigh.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Cameron Village
  • Hayes Barton
  • North Hills
  • South Park
  • Stonehenge

Things to do in Raleigh

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Raleigh has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Raleigh features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Raleigh?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Montgomery to Raleigh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Montgomery are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Raleigh?

With many people choosing to move from Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Raleigh take?

Moving from Montgomery, AL to Raleigh, NC covers 567 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Montgomery movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Raleigh.

Helpful moving resources