($879+) San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC, runs anywhere from $852 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,624 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,394 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 $2,249, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,624 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,376 - $4,577, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $852 - $2,344.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,108 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from San Antonio to Raleigh: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,108 - $7,008. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,394 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,394-mile route from San Antonio to Raleigh, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,249 - $5,522 | $1,376 - $2,696 | $852 - $1,648 | $1,263 - $2,334 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,108 - $7,008 | $1,756 - $3,475 | $979 - $1,961 | $1,433 - $2,867 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,950 - $9,624 | $2,433 - $4,577 | $1,185 - $2,344 | $1,985 - $4,047 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
For the 1,394-mile move from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $2,249 and $9,624. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $291 - $1,940 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in San Antonio generally start around $192 plus $96 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Antonio to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,249 - $5,522
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,108 - $7,008
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,950 - $9,624
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 San Antonio to Raleigh.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of San Antonio movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Raleigh, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage26% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Swift Movers LLC | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type65% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling45% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect26% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Swift Movers LLC | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Antonio to Raleigh?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Antonio, TX. 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 San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Moving containers from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, cost between $1,376 and $4,577. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Antonio costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,376 - $2,696
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,475
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,433 - $4,577
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Raleigh, NC, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $679 in San Antonio, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to North Carolina 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 $1,376. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,756 - $3,475, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Antonio to Raleigh?
- 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Swift Movers LLC (4.8/5), 15 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Plan on $852 - $2,344 for a rental moving truck on the 1,394-mile route from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $430 - $492
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- San Antonio daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| 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 San Antonio to Raleigh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $852 - $1,648
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $979 - $1,961
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,185 - $2,344
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Antonio to Raleigh starts at $852 - $2,344, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($430 - $492) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Antonio, Texas, usually costs about $679 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,394-mile drive falls between $430 and $492, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $291 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Antonio to Raleigh?
- 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 San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Antonio, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $873 and $2,867.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to Raleigh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,263 - $2,334
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,433 - $2,867
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,985 - $4,047
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Antonio, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Antonio to Raleigh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Parkway Transport, Inc. (4.76/5 stars): Parkway Transport, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Antonio to Raleigh. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: San Antonio, TX vs Raleigh, NC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Raleigh, side by side with San Antonio on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Antonio, TX | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,496/mo | $1,670/mo |
| Median home value | $216,453 | $378,862 |
| Average income | $62,917/yr | $82,424/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 4.3% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.5% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 51.94/100 | 60.13/100 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC to San Antonio, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to North Carolina, 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 289 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,394-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,394-mile route from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC, run $2,249 - $9,624 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,376 - $4,577, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $852 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,108, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Raleigh tend to point to exceptional beauty and ample economic opportunity, though high cost of living and quiet nightlife come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include State of North Carolina and WakeMed.
FAQs: Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Raleigh, NC
Is Raleigh a safe place to live?
Raleigh has a safety index of 60.13 out of 100 and a crime index of 38.87, compared to 51.94 and 48.06 in San Antonio. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $979 - $1,961. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Raleigh?
For families, Oakwood, Cameron Village, and Boylan Heights are worth a look in Raleigh. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Raleigh, Five Points, and North Raleigh tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from San Antonio, TX to Raleigh, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in San Antonio?
Local movers based in San Antonio typically start around $192 as a base rate, plus $96/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Raleigh run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 65% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.