Things to know before moving from Montana to Raleigh, NC

Cost of living: Montana vs Raleigh, NC

Montana Raleigh
Average rent cost $974 $1,670
Average home value $462,631 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $66,341 $2,572
Unemployment rate 3% 4%
State income tax 7% 5%
  • Rent is about 71% more expensive in Raleigh than in Montana.
  • Home prices are about 7% lower in Raleigh than in Montana.
  • The average income is about 96% lower in Raleigh than in Montana.
  • Raleigh has a higher unemployment rate than Montana by about 30%.
  • Income taxes are 33% lower in Raleigh than in Montana.

How life is different in Raleigh from Montana

Raleigh Montana
Population 467,665 1,132,812
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Republican 58.4-38.5
Summer high 90ºF 84ºF
Winter low 30ºF 12ºF
Annual rain 46" 15"
Annual snow 4" 49"
Crime index 38.87 23.37
  • The population of Raleigh is approximately 59% lower than the population of Montana.
  • In the last presidential election, Raleigh voted Republican and Montana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Raleigh is 90ºF and in Montana, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Raleigh reaches the temperature of 30ºF and Montana gets down to 12ºF.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Raleigh vs 15 inches of rainfall in Montana.
  • In Raleigh, it snows about 4 inches annually vs 49 inches of snow in Montana.
  • Raleigh has a higher crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 38.87 vs 23.37.

Things to do in Raleigh

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Raleigh.

Museums in Raleightoggle

  • African American Cultural Complex
  • Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh
  • Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University
  • Haywood Hall House & Gardens
  • Marbles Kids Museum
  • North Carolina Museum of Art
  • North Carolina Museum of History
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  • North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
  • City of Raleigh Museum
  • J. C. Raulston Arboretum
  • Joel Lane House
  • Mordecai Plantation
  • Pope House Museum

Parks in Raleightoggle

  • Pullen Park
  • William B. Umstead State Park
  • Yates Mill County Park
  • JC Raulston Arboretum
  • Neuse River Trail
  • Lake Johnson Park
  • Mordecai Historic Park
  • Anderson Point Park

Sports Teams in Raleightoggle

  • Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
  • North Carolina FC (USL)
  • North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
  • Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)

Universities in Raleightoggle

  • North Carolina State University
  • Wake Technical Community College
  • Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
  • Montreat College's School of Professional and Adult Studies
  • William Peace University
  • Shaw University
  • Skema Business School
  • St. Augustine's University

Other considerations when moving to Raleigh, NC

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 North Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Montana vs. Raleigh, NC

Comparing the pros of Montana vs. Raleigh, NC:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Montana vs Raleigh side-by-side.

Pros of living in Montana Pros of living in Raleigh, NC
Unmatched natural beauty Exceptional beauty
Bountiful outdoor opportunities Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Quality education
Delicious unique cuisine Bountiful arts and recreational activities
No traffic Quality healthcare

Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. Raleigh, NC:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Montana for Raleigh.

Cons of living in Montana Cons of living in Raleigh, NC
Dangerous wildlife High cost of living
Remote lifestyle Quiet nightlife
Touristy Temperamental weather
Lacking in urban amenities Allergy-inducing pollen
Challenging weather Urban sprawl

FAQ

How long does a move from Montana to Raleigh take?

The time frame for a move from Montana to Raleigh, NC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Montana, the longer the drive time to Raleigh will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Raleigh from Montana can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Montana to Raleigh?

Because of the 2128-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Montana to Raleigh as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh, NC?

With the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 30ºF, most people move to Raleigh from Montana during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Raleigh during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources