Top-rated local movers that handle Raleigh to Dayton moves
When planning a move from Raleigh to Dayton, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Raleigh who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Dayton.
- Little Guys Movers : 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
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 #: 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 #: 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 #: 2261
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Dayton?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 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 | $1,053 – $2,853 | $659 – $1,538 | $422 – $738 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,869 – $4,773 | $1,228 – $2,254 | $464 – $866 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,364 – $7,047 | $1,568 – $3,018 | $584 – $1,065 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Dayton
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Dayton, you can expect to spend between $1,053 and $2,853. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,869 to $4,773 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Raleigh to Dayton typically runs between $3,364 and $7,047.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Dayton
When moving from Raleigh to Dayton, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $659 and $1,538. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,228 to $2,254. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,568 up to $3,018. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Dayton
Renting a moving truck in Raleigh is usually your cheapest option to get to Dayton. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $422 and $738. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $464 and $866. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $584 and $1,065.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Raleigh to Dayton

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Raleigh – roughly 74% less for singles and 38% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $6,077 in Raleigh. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $6,077.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Raleigh | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 45% lower in Dayton than in Raleigh, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 69% lower in Dayton than in Raleigh.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 2337% higher in Dayton compared to Raleigh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Dayton, where the cost of living for a single person is 74% less than in Raleigh.
- Moving to Dayton could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 38% less than in Raleigh.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 58% higher compared to Raleigh, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Dayton and Raleigh (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 22% lower in Ohio compared to North Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Raleigh with Dayton:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Raleigh than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Dayton.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Dayton
| Raleigh | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 47 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 71% less than Raleigh.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Dayton is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Dayton is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Raleigh with a score of 4.0 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 40.68 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Dayton move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Dayton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Dayton
Now that you’ve chosen Gem City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Dayton to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Dayton is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Dayton offers cultural landmarks like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
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