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

The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Modesto to Raleigh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,543, while larger moves may reach $14,057 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 Modesto.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,838 to $4,751, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Modesto to Raleigh

Moving from Modesto to Raleigh comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Raleigh is generally more expensive than Modesto, 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:

Modesto Raleigh
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,670
Average home value $442,362 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $67,011 $2,572
Cost of living (single person) $2,312 $6,077
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,946 $6,077
Unemployment rate 8.0% 4.3%
Sales tax 8.88% 7.25%
State income tax 13.3% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Raleigh are 7% lower than in Modesto, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Raleigh.
    Home prices in Raleigh are 2.4% lower than in Modesto.
  • Income in Raleigh is 96.2% lower than in Modesto, 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 162.8% higher than in Modesto. 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 2.2% higher than in Modesto.
  • The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 46.25% lower than in Modesto.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Raleigh are 18.36% lower than in Modesto.
  • One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Modesto.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,885.38 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Modesto.

How life is different in Modesto vs. Raleigh

Raleigh Modesto
Population 467,665 218,464
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 31 48
Bike friendliness score 39 48
Crime Index 38.87 65.76
Safety Index 60.13 34.24
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • The population of Raleigh is about 114% greater than Modesto, 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.
  • Getting around Raleigh without a car might be more difficult than in Modesto. Raleigh has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Modesto is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Raleigh neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Modesto. Based on its score of 31 out of 100, Raleigh isnโ€™t as walkable as Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Raleigh, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Modesto. While Modesto has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, Raleigh earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Raleigh has a lower crime rate than Modesto based on scores of 38.87 and Modesto's 65.76, 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 Modesto, based on Raleighโ€™s safety index of 60.13 versus 34.24 for Modesto. 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 Modesto 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 Modesto 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

  • Oakwood
  • Cameron Village
  • Boylan Heights
  • North Hills
  • 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 Modesto to Raleigh?

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

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

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

Moving from Modesto, CA to Raleigh, NC covers 2,760 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Raleigh.

Helpful moving resources