How Much Does It Cost to Move in North Carolina?
North Carolina is among the fastest-growing states, with Charlotte and Raleigh leading inbound migration. Local moves average $860 — one of the most affordable in the Southeast. Long-distance moves average $3,700.
Average Moving Costs in North Carolina — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $860 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $3,700 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $40/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $98/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in North Carolina
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($40/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense North Carolina cities can add $50–150.
North Carolina Moving Cost by City
North Carolina's largest moving markets are Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham, Winston-Salem. Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages above.
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Winston-Salem
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How much does it cost to move locally in North Carolina?
Local moves in North Carolina average $860 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $40/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from North Carolina cost?
Long-distance moves to or from North Carolina average $3,700 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in North Carolina?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $98/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in North Carolina?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in North Carolina. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in North Carolina are most expensive for moving?
Charlotte and Raleigh typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is North Carolina gaining or losing residents?
North Carolina is currently a net migration destination — more people are moving in than out, which keeps mover demand and prices elevated.