($1,136) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Raleigh, NC

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Raleigh

When planning a move to Raleigh from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,136 and $5,083. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,501 and $6,238 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,437 to $8,309.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Raleigh

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Raleigh, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $815 and $2,177. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,552 and $3,009. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,159 to $3,972. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Raleigh

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Raleigh is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $689 to $1,351. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $791 to $1,511, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Raleigh costs around $908 to $1,975.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 45% more expensive in Raleigh than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 124% steeper in Raleigh compared to Des Moines.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 96% less in Raleigh than in Des Moines.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Raleigh, with the cost of living for a single person being 221% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Raleigh, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 39% higher than in Des Moines.
• Raleigh has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Raleigh and Des Moines (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are nearly the same between North Carolina and Iowa, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.

• Raleigh’s population is about 33% less than Des Moines.
• Raleigh’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Raleigh is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• Both Raleigh and Des Moines have similar bike-friendliness scores (39 vs 39), meaning Raleigh is about as safe for cyclists as Des Moines. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Raleigh’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 38.87 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Raleigh and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 60.13 and 57.8.
• Air quality in Raleigh is Moderate, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Raleigh are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Raleigh. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Raleigh is home to museums and cultural arts 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: The city’s Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)North Carolina FC (USL)North Carolina Courage (NWSL)Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.