($1,321) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Raleigh, NC

1. Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.72 out of 5 stars
3. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. Jay’s Small Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Raleigh

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Raleigh typically costs between $1,321 and $5,913. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,900 and $8,485 when moving from San Francisco to Raleigh. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Francisco to Raleigh, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,722 up to $13,147.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Raleigh

If you’re relocating from San Francisco to Raleigh, you’ll typically spend between $1,363 and $3,469 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,493 up to $5,162. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,653 and $6,900. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Raleigh

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Francisco 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 $1,626 and $3,031. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,676 to $3,791. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,248 and $4,475.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Raleigh from San Francisco, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 49% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 65% cheaper in Raleigh, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
• Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 98% lower in Raleigh than in San Francisco.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Raleigh, as the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 61% greater than in San Francisco. 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 30% lower than in San Francisco.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 20% lower than San Francisco, Raleigh boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 16% lower in Raleigh than San Francisco, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Income taxes are 66% lower in North Carolina than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Raleigh’s population is about 42% less than San Francisco.
• Raleigh’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Raleigh is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 31 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Raleigh’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 38.87 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Raleigh is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 60.13 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
• Air quality in Raleigh is Moderate, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• 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.

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.