Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay $827–$8,001 for a move from Madison to Raleigh, with most moves taking two to seven days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 951 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Raleigh to Madison guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Madison to Raleigh
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Madison to go to Raleigh can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your WI to NC move
Local movers servicing Madison to Raleigh moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Madison that also provides long-distance services to Raleigh can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Madison who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Madison to Raleigh.
- The Armstrong Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc., Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services, The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 217042
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3047914
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Raleigh?
Madison movers charge $85 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 | $1,497 - $5,960 | $973 - $2,417 | $813 - $1,584 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,029 - $8,001 | $1,818 - $3,756 | $827 - $1,811 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,009 - $10,412 | $2,524 - $4,550 | $1,036 - $2,246 |
Cost to hire movers from Wisconsin to North Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to North Carolina will cost between $1,497 and $5,960. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WI to NC will range from $3,029 to $8,001, and a large move from Wisconsin to North Carolina will cost from $5,009 to $10,412.
Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to North Carolina
Moving containers from Wisconsin to North Carolina will cost you $973 to $2,417 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,818 to $3,756. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,524 to $4,550. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Wisconsin to North Carolina
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $813 to $1,584. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $827 to $1,811, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Wisconsin to North Carolina costs around $1,036 to $2,246.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Raleigh
What to know before moving from Madison to Raleigh
Moving from Madison to Raleigh comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Raleigh is generally more expensive than Madison, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Madison | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,670 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.5% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Raleigh, since prices are typically 4% higher than in Madison.
- The home prices in Raleigh are 17.4% higher than in Madison, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Raleigh is 95.9% lower than in Madison, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh — including State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 165.1% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Raleigh, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 11.4% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 30.30% higher than in Madison.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Raleigh, since its sales taxes are 31.82% higher than what you are paying in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.18% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,954.19 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Raleigh
| Raleigh | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 269,840 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 66 |
| Crime Index | 38.87 | 34.57 |
| Safety Index | 60.13 | 65.43 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Raleigh's population is about 73% greater than Madison.
- Raleigh's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Raleigh is less walkable than Madison with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Raleigh has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Raleigh's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 38.87 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Raleigh is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 60.13 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Raleigh is moderate, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison vs. Raleigh move
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Raleigh. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Raleigh
With your sights set on City of Oaks, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Raleigh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Raleigh
- Five Points
- North Raleigh
- Northwest Raleigh
- West Raleigh
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oakwood
- Boylan Heights
- Hayes Barton
- South Park
- Six Forks
Things to do in Raleigh
After settling into your new North Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Raleigh has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Raleigh, such as the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Raleigh?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Raleigh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Raleigh?
Because most people are moving from Madison to Raleigh in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Madison to Raleigh take?
Moving from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC covers 951 miles and usually takes two to seven days Need to move faster? Some Madison movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Raleigh.
