Moving from Winston-Salem to Raleigh, NC
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Quick answer: Moving from Winston-Salem to Raleigh costs between $128 to $4,530 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 103-mile route within North Carolina take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Winston-Salem to Raleigh
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Winston-Salem to Raleigh are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Winston-Salem to driving and unloading in Raleigh, 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 103 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,225 - $3,628 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,047 - $1,853 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $128 - $215 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | American Moving & Hauling, Inc. | $85/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 Winston-Salem to Raleigh?
It costs between $128 to $4,530 to move from Winston-Salem to Raleigh. The prices below break down your 103-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $668 - $4,530
- Moving containers: $832 - $2,202
- Rental trucks: $128 - $245
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $668 - $3,097 | $832 - $1,310 | $128 - $194 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,225 - $3,628 | $1,047 - $1,853 | $128 - $215 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,599 - $4,530 | $1,298 - $2,202 | $151 - $245 |
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 | $252 - $2,100+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $168 - $672 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $168 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Winston-Salem to Raleigh
At 103 miles, your Winston-Salem to Raleigh 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 Winston-Salem to Raleigh. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout North Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 103 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Winston-Salem to Raleigh. They've been in business since 2013 (13 years of experience) and 42.9% of their 35 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh to Winston-Salem guide.
Considerations when moving from Winston-Salem to Raleigh
Cost of living: Winston-Salem vs. Raleigh
Comparing life in Winston-Salem and Raleigh goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Raleigh stacks up against Winston-Salem.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Winston-Salem | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,670 |
| Average home cost | $208,184 | $378,862 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,673 | $82,424 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,420 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,265 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 7.25% |
- Rent prices in Raleigh are 28% higher than in Winston-Salem. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Raleigh are 82% higher than in Winston-Salem. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Raleigh is 43% higher than in Winston-Salem, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 151% higher in Raleigh compared to Winston-Salem. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Raleigh, expect living costs to be about 15% higher than in Winston-Salem. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Raleigh a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 17% lower than in Winston-Salem, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Raleigh and Winston-Salem, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Winston-Salem, you’d need roughly $7,530 to maintain the same lifestyle in Raleigh.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Raleigh
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Raleigh compared to Winston-Salem. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Winston-Salem | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,545 | 467,665 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Republican 51-48 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 45" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 4" |
| Crime index | 32.67 | 38.87 |
Raleigh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Raleigh is approximately 87% greater than the population of Winston-Salem. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Winston-Salem and Raleigh both voted Republican in the last election.
- Moving between Winston-Salem and Raleigh won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 90°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Winston-Salem and Raleigh experience similar lows—expect 28°F in Winston-Salem and 30°F in Raleigh.
- Both Winston-Salem and Raleigh experience similar annual rainfall, with Winston-Salem receiving 45 inches and Raleigh getting 46 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Winston-Salem and Raleigh, with Winston-Salem getting about 6 inches and Raleigh seeing 4 inches.
- Crime is higher in Raleigh (38.87) than in Winston-Salem (32.67).
Things to do in Raleigh
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Raleigh.
Museums in Raleigh
- African American Cultural Complex
- Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh
- Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University
- Haywood Hall House & Gardens
- Marbles Kids Museum
Parks in Raleigh
- Pullen Park
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Yates Mill County Park
- JC Raulston Arboretum
- Neuse River Trail
Sports teams in Raleigh
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina FC (USL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)
Universities in Raleigh
- North Carolina State University
- Wake Technical Community College
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Montreat College's School of Professional and Adult Studies
- William Peace University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Winston-Salem to Raleigh?
Shipping furniture from Winston-Salem to Raleigh with a mover will cost between $584 and $2,438. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,225–$3,628, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Winston-Salem to Raleigh will cost from $1,599–$4,530.
How much are moving container companies from Winston-Salem to Raleigh?
If you're moving from Winston-Salem to Raleigh and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $560 to $1,360. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,047 and $1,853. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,298 up to $2,202.
How much is a moving truck from Winston-Salem to Raleigh?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $120 and $197. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $128 to $215. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Winston-Salem to Raleigh, truck rental prices typically range from $151 up to $245.
How far in advance should I book Winston-Salem-to-Raleigh movers?
For a smooth move from Winston-Salem to Raleigh, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh?
To score the best moving deals to Raleigh, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
