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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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to CA move
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.
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 Francisco
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.