Moving from Charlotte to Winston-Salem, NC
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Quick answer: Moving from Charlotte to Winston-Salem costs between $87 to $3,860 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 78-mile route within North Carolina take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Charlotte to Winston-Salem
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Charlotte to Winston-Salem are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Charlotte to driving and unloading in Winston-Salem, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 78 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,054 - $3,342 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $861 - $1,651 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $100 - $172 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Flex Moving & Storage | $80/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Charlotte to Winston-Salem?
It costs between $87 to $3,860 to move from Charlotte to Winston-Salem. The prices below break down your 78-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $559 - $3,860
- Moving containers: $602 - $1,835
- Rental trucks: $87 - $174
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $559 - $2,847 | $602 - $1,138 | $87 - $140 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,054 - $3,342 | $861 - $1,651 | $100 - $172 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,568 - $3,860 | $1,068 - $1,835 | $109 - $174 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $306 - $2,550+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $80/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $204 - $816 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $51 - $204 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Charlotte to Winston-Salem
At 78 miles, your Charlotte to Winston-Salem move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Charlotte to Winston-Salem. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout North Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 78 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Charlotte to Winston-Salem. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 85.7% of their 14 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem to Charlotte guide.
Considerations when moving from Charlotte to Winston-Salem
Cost of living: Charlotte vs. Winston-Salem
The cost of living in Charlotte vs. Winston-Salem goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Winston-Salem stacks up against Charlotte.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charlotte | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,790 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $350,446 | $208,184 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,438 | $57,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,158 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,325 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.25% | 7.0% |
- Rent in Winston-Salem is roughly 27% less expensive than in Charlotte. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Winston-Salem are 41% lower than in Charlotte, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Winston-Salem is 26% lower than in Charlotte. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Winston-Salem is 23% lower than in Charlotte. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 37% lower in Winston-Salem than in Charlotte. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Winston-Salem is 58% higher than in Charlotte. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Charlotte, expect to budget around $2,310 to maintain the same lifestyle in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Winston-Salem
As you plan your move, comparing life in Charlotte vs. Winston-Salem is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Charlotte and Winston-Salem to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Charlotte | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 874,579 | 249,545 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 45" |
| Annual snow | 2" | 6" |
| Crime index | 46.52 | 32.67 |
Winston-Salem sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Winston-Salem is about 71% less populated than Charlotte. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Charlotte and Winston-Salem siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Winston-Salem and Charlotte are nearly identical, with averages around 88°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Charlotte and Winston-Salem experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 30°F and 28°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Charlotte to Winston-Salem. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 43 inches in Charlotte and 45 inches in Winston-Salem.
- Both Charlotte and Winston-Salem receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Charlotte averaging 2 inches and Winston-Salem seeing 6 inches.
- Winston-Salem has a lower crime rate than Charlotte, with a crime index of 32.67 vs 46.52.
Things to do in Winston-Salem
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Winston-Salem has something for everyone.
Museums in Winston-Salem
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens
- Frank L Horton Museum Center
- Kaleideum Downtown
- Kaleideum North
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Parks in Winston-Salem
- REYNOLDA ESTATE
- SALEM LAKE
- QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE
- POLO PARK
- HATHAWAY PARK
Sports teams in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)
- Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)
- Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)
- Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)
- Wake Forest (NCAA)
Universities in Winston-Salem
- Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem State University
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- Salem College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Charlotte to Winston-Salem?
Moving your furniture from Charlotte to Winston-Salem with a professional moving company usually ranges from $516 to $2,401. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,054 and $3,342. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,568 to $3,860 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Charlotte to Winston-Salem?
If you’re moving from Charlotte to Winston-Salem and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $451 to $1,005. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $861 and $1,651. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,068 to $1,835.
How much is a moving truck from Charlotte to Winston-Salem?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $80 and $134. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $100 to $172. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Charlotte to Winston-Salem, rental prices generally fall between $109 and $174.
How far in advance should I book Charlotte-to-Winston-Salem movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Charlotte to Winston-Salem at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Charlotte-to-Winston-Salem movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Winston-Salem?
If you want to save money on your move to Winston-Salem, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
