Memphis, TN to Raleigh, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Memphis to Raleigh typically costs $2,600–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 761 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Memphis to Raleigh
Moving from Memphis, TN to Raleigh, NC typically costs $2,600–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 761-mile move from Memphis to Raleigh, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,773 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,826 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,604 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 29, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 21, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Memphis to Raleigh
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,000, but larger homes can run up to $9,500.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Memphis.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($600–$1,600) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Raleigh, NC to Memphis, TN guide.
Best Memphis to Raleigh movers by type
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Best professional movers from Memphis to Raleigh
For a stress-free interstate move from Memphis to Raleigh, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TN→NC movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 71 Tennessee moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Memphis to Raleigh
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Raleigh runs about 230% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $6,077 in Raleigh versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $6,077 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Memphis | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $1,820 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $143,715 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,842 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,402 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Raleigh, note that rent can be roughly 29% more expensive than it is in Memphis; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 200% higher in Raleigh than in Memphis.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 95% less in Raleigh than in Memphis.
- Plan for higher expenses in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person is 230% more than in Memphis. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Raleigh, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 38% more than it is in Memphis.
- Raleigh experiences an unemployment rate that is about 46% lower than that of Memphis. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 26% lower in Raleigh than in Memphis. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Raleigh can reduce your overall living expenses.
- North Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Memphis with Raleigh:
| Living Expense | Memphis | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $213.78 | $190.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $64.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $4.12 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.67 | $40.18 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Memphis than in Raleigh.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Memphis than in Raleigh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Memphis than in Raleigh.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in Raleigh.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Memphis than in Raleigh.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Raleigh
| Memphis | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 633,104 | 467,665 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 39 |
| Crime index | 77.49 | 38.87 |
| Safety index | 22.51 | 60.13 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Raleigh's population is about 26% less than Memphis.
- Raleigh's public transportation score is within about 5% of Memphis, making them very similar.
- Raleigh is less walkable than Memphis with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- Both Raleigh and Memphis have similar bike-friendliness scores (41 vs 39), meaning Raleigh is about as safe for cyclists as Memphis. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Raleigh's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 38.87 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Raleigh is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 60.13 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Raleigh is Moderate, and in Memphis it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Raleigh 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina 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 Raleigh smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 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 Raleigh
Now that you've chosen The City of Oaks as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Raleigh
- Five Points
- North Raleigh
- Northwest Raleigh
- West Raleigh
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oakwood
- Cameron Village
- Boylan Heights
- Hayes Barton
- North Hills
- Mordecai
- South Park
- Brier Creek
- Stonehenge
- Six Forks
Things to do in Raleigh
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it's time to see what Raleigh 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, Raleigh offers cultural landmarks like the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, and Haywood Hall House & Gardens.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — 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 Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)North Carolina FC (USL)North Carolina Courage (NWSL)Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Raleigh?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Memphis to Raleigh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Memphis are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Raleigh?
Because spring and fall moves from Memphis to Raleigh are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Memphis to Raleigh take?
A move of 761 miles from Memphis, TN to Raleigh, NC generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Memphis sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Raleigh is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Memphis offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Memphis have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 5 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TN, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
