($831+) Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX Movers
Moving from Raleigh, NC, to San Antonio, TX, runs anywhere from $831 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,304 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,393 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,103, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,304 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,326 - $4,829, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $831 - $2,355.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Raleigh, NC, to San Antonio, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,765 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX
Moving options from Raleigh to San Antonio fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,765 - $6,296 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,393-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,393-mile route from Raleigh to San Antonio, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,103 - $4,630 | $1,326 - $2,400 | $831 - $1,638 | $1,134 - $2,183 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,765 - $6,296 | $1,727 - $3,559 | $953 - $1,833 | $1,395 - $2,764 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,915 - $8,304 | $2,392 - $4,829 | $1,143 - $2,355 | $1,914 - $3,569 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to San Antonio, Texas, costs between $2,103 and $8,304. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,393-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $300 - $2,000, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Raleigh and San Antonio. For a rough baseline, movers based in Raleigh tend to start around $226 plus $93/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Raleigh to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,103 - $4,630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,765 - $6,296
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,915 - $8,304
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Raleigh to San Antonio.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Raleigh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Antonio, 72% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Raleigh to San Antonio?
All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Raleigh, NC. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX
Moving containers from Raleigh, North Carolina, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,326 and $4,829. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to San Antonio. If you go over that window, storage in Raleigh adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Raleigh to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,326 - $2,400
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,392 - $4,829
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $700 in Raleigh, NC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $150 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your San Antonio, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,326. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,727 - $3,559.
What are the best moving containers Raleigh to San Antonio?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Raleigh to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Raleigh:
- Little Guys Movers (4.9/5), 33 years in business
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Miracle Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX
A rental truck for this 1,393-mile move from Raleigh, North Carolina, to San Antonio, Texas, costs between $831 and $2,355. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $443 - $507
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Raleigh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Raleigh to San Antonio based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $831 - $1,638
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $953 - $1,833
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,143 - $2,355
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $831 - $2,355 does not include fuel ($443 - $507), lodging ($150/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Raleigh to San Antonio typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $325 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $443 - $507 in fuel for the 1,393-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $700 in Raleigh, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Raleigh to San Antonio?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX
For larger DIY moves from Raleigh, North Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to San Antonio, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,395 and $2,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Raleigh to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,134 - $2,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,395 - $2,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,914 - $3,569
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $75 - $150 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Raleigh, North Carolina, typically costs $700.
What are the best freight companies from Raleigh to San Antonio?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to San Antonio quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Raleigh, NC vs San Antonio, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Antonio, side by side with Raleigh on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,670/mo | $1,496/mo |
| Median home value | $378,862 | $216,453 |
| Average income | $82,424/yr | $62,917/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 3.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.5% | None |
| Walkability score | 31/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 60.13/100 | 51.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 255 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 1,393-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,393-mile route from Raleigh, NC, to San Antonio, TX, run $2,103 - $8,304 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,326 - $4,829, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $831 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,765, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to San Antonio tend to point to diversity and sight-seeing, though abundant stray pets and brutal summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Joint Base San Antonio (Three Military Bases) and H-E-B.
FAQs: Moving from Raleigh, NC, to San Antonio, TX
Is San Antonio a safe place to live?
San Antonio has a safety index of 51.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.06, compared to 60.13 and 38.87 in Raleigh. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($443 - $507), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Raleigh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Raleigh handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.