Quick answer: The cost to move from Raleigh to San Francisco ranges from $2,014 to $9,981 and the journey will take approximately seven to 21 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,839-mile move on your own.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Francisco to Raleigh guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Raleigh to San Francisco

Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Raleigh to San Francisco can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.

Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 North Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The top local movers servicing Raleigh to San Francisco moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Raleigh that also handles long-distance moves to San Francisco. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.

Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Raleigh who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Raleigh to San Francisco.

  1. Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/athensmovingexperts, https://twitter.com/athensmovingexp
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process.
Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/LittleGuysRaleigh, https://twitter.com/littleguyshq
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy.
On the other hand, negative feedback—about 5.4%—focuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 439-2454

Company Info

State license #: 2548

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 1931566


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
62% of all reviews were positive
35% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking.
On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/ExcelAllied/, https://twitter.com/excelms
78% of all reviews were positive
18% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Excel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team's politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected.
When compared to typical industry input, Excel's high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 213-6694

Company Info

State license #: 2311

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 076235


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleMoversRaleigh/, https://twitter.com/MMRaleigh
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and satisfied customers paint Miracle Movers as a standout among moving companies—of 255 reviews, 82.4% shine with positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the efficient service, careful handling, professional crews, speedy moves, and clear communication. Many note the company excels at protecting belongings and making stressful transitions feel easy.
On the other hand, the most consistent complaints are about damage to household items, slow or lacking responses to claims, and occasional unexpected or higher charges at billing. Despite these issues, negative comments account for less than one-fifth of feedback, considerably lower than industry averages. For most clients, Miracle Movers reliably delivers a prompt, safe move with friendly staff, putting it well ahead of many competitors who struggle with service consistency and trust.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 656-4043

Company Info

State license #: 2894

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2461529

Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices

How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to San Francisco?

Raleigh movers charge $93 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,587 - $6,422 $1,872 - $4,489 $1,996 - $3,644
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,545 - $9,981 $3,004 - $6,679 $2,014 - $4,385
4+ bedrooms $9,086 - $14,876 $4,147 - $8,573 $2,761 - $5,438
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,839 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to California

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to California, you can expect to spend between $1,587 and $6,422. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,545 to $9,981 on the same route (NC to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from North Carolina to California typically runs between $9,086 and $14,876.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to California

If you're moving from North Carolina to California, expect to pay between $1,872 and $4,489 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,004 up to $6,679. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,147 and $8,573. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $1,996 and $3,644. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,014 to $4,385. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,761 and $5,438.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to San Franciscotoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Raleigh to San Francisco might cost just $1,587 for a one-bedroom, but up to $14,303 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,996 and $4,910, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to San Francisco

Moving from Raleigh to San Francisco means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in San Francisco, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to San Francisco so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh San Francisco
Average rent cost $1,670 $3,250
Average home value $431,795 $1,241,003
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $136,689
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $3,781
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $8,717
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.4%
Sales tax 7.25% 8.63%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in San Francisco, since prices are typically 95% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The home prices in San Francisco are 187.4% higher than in Raleigh, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in San Francisco, where incomes are, on average, 5,214.5% higher than in Raleigh. Major employers in San Francisco include Lyft, Securitize, and Wells Fargo.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Francisco. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 37.8% lower than in Raleigh.
  • If you're moving your family to San Francisco, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 43.4% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 25.58% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Francisco, since its sales taxes are 19.03% higher than what you are paying in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in San Francisco are 195.56% higher than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,866.55 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. San Francisco

San Francisco Raleigh
Population 808,988 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 4
Walkability score 99 31
Bike friendliness score 99 39
Crime Index 61.41 38.87
Safety Index 38.59 60.13
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • San Francisco's population is about 73% greater than Raleigh.
  • San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
  • San Francisco is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • San Francisco's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 61.41 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 38.59 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh vs. San Francisco move

  • Weather: San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Francisco. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in San Francisco

Now that you've chosen Golden Gate City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Marina District
  • Mission Bay
  • Mission District
  • Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bernal Heights
  • Inner Sunset
  • Noe Valley
  • North Beach
  • Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Francisco

Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what San Francisco has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Legion of Honor.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), or Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to San Francisco?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Raleigh to San Francisco. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Raleigh.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to San Francisco?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Raleigh to San Francisco moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Raleigh to San Francisco take?

Covering 2,839 miles, the move from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Raleigh movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Francisco can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources