Best Salinas to Raleigh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salinas to Raleigh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,771 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Salinas to Raleigh moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas compared to Raleigh. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Salinas to Raleigh Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Mod Movers8.808.1Authorized For HHGContact
4Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
5Cardinale Moving & Storage7.617.06Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Salinas to Raleigh

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,771 miles from Salinas, CA to Raleigh, NC will cost on average $4,138 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Raleigh move is roughly $10,004. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,773300 ft³9.24
1 Bedroom$4,138450 ft³9.19
2 Bedrooms$6,859750 ft³9.14
3 Bedrooms$10,0041100 ft³9.09
4 Bedrooms$14,4721600 ft³9.04
5+ Bedrooms$16,1911800 ft³8.99
*Please note: These California to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & North Carolina. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Raleigh Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.80/10
based on 1,087+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Cardinale Moving & Storage Logo

Cardinale Moving & Storage

7.61/10
based on 366+ data points

11360 Commercial Pkwy

Castroville, CA, 95012

About Cardinale Moving & Storage

Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Moves within California
  • Interstate moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

45193 / 138022

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Salinas vs. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

When you're moving from one city to another, familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings can be a daunting task. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Salinas, CA & Raleigh, NC . Find neighborhoods similar to what you love about Salinas in your soon-to-be new home in Raleigh. This comparison should help you get a sense of where you might feel most at home.

SalinasRaleighHow They're Similar
South SalinasCameron VillageVibrant shopping & dining
North SalinasNorth HillsMixed-use development, family-friendly
CreekbridgeFive PointsHistoric homes, local history
Maple ParkOakwoodHistoric district, strong community feel
Harden RanchBrier CreekSuburban, shopping centers
LaurelwoodBoylan HeightsQuaint, artistic vibe
Monterey ParkStonehengeFamily-oriented, recreational parks
Monte BellaWakefield PlantationSpacious, golf community
Toro ParkUmsteadUrban meets nature, trails
Corral de TierraBrookhavenWealthy, secluded properties

In exploring your new city, Raleigh, you'll find neighborhoods with the charm and community feel much like those in Salinas. For instance, if you loved the vibrant atmosphere and dining experiences in South Salinas, Cameron Village in Raleigh will not disappoint with its energetic shopping and dining scene, featuring local favorites like The Flying Biscuit Café. Meanwhile, the historic homes and sense of community in Maple Park find a match in Raleigh's Oakwood neighborhood, where events like the annual Oakwood Candlelight Tour bring residents together to celebrate their shared heritage. Similarly, for those drawn to the family-friendly open spaces of Monterey Park, Stonehenge in Raleigh offers an abundant array of recreational parks, making it an ideal locale for family outings and active lifestyles.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Raleigh

Moving across the country brings its share of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to give you an honest reflection of the Salinas, CA to Raleigh, NC move, helping weigh the good against the not-so-good. Let's dive into detailed comparisons to make your transition as smooth as possible.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Frequent fog
  • Less job diversity
  • Smaller city vibe
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Clearer weather
  • Varied job market
  • Larger urban feel
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Hotter summers
  • Further from the beach
  • Less local produce
  • More urbanized
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Proximity to coast
  • Rich agricultural scene
  • Stunning landscapes

While Salinas, CA offers a unique charm with its milder climate and proximity to stunning Monterey County coastal areas, Raleigh, NC presents an enticing proposition with its flourishing job market and vibrant urban life. Raleigh boasts neighborhoods teeming with character such as the historic Oakwood, offering picturesque streets lined with Victorian homes. The food scene in Raleigh is diverse, with local favorites like Brewery Bhavana blending craft beer with delectable dim sum. On the other hand, Salinas's rich agricultural scene supports a plethora of local farmer's markets, such as the one at Oldtown Salinas, allowing residents to indulge in fresh, local produce. Each location has its unique attributes, but Raleigh’s blend of affordability, job opportunities, and a robust cultural landscape offers a compelling new chapter for those willing to embrace the change.

Salinas vs. Raleigh Food Guide

Understanding the local food scene is a vital part of immersing yourself in a new city's culture. In comparing the local cuisine between Salinas and Raleigh, you'll gain insights into what culinary delights await you, helping you feel more at home in your new location.

SalinasRaleigh
Most iconic local food itemArtichokesEastern NC Barbecue
Most popular meat dishTri-tipPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Georgie's Grill
  • The Best Steakhouse
  • Central Cafe
  • Pitmaster BBQ
  • Oceanic Breeze
  • Green Diner
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Salinas, you can expect a fresh, agricultural bounty that reflects its status as the "Salad Bowl of the World," with artichokes standing out as a local highlight. The city's Mexican influence shines through in its most popular street food, tacos, which can be found in vibrant locales such as the downtown area. Transitioning to Raleigh, you'll find a rich homage to Eastern NC Barbecue, particularly in neighborhoods like the Warehouse District. Raleigh's food scene, recognized for its innovative and abundant food trucks, offers an exciting mix of traditional Southern cuisine and modern vegan alternatives like BBQ Jackfruit. This move will be a fascinating journey through diverse culinary landscapes that mirror each city's unique character.

Salinas vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new go-to spot for dining can significantly help in making a new city feel like home. This comparison of top restaurants in Salinas to their Raleigh counterparts aims to ease your transition from Salinas, CA to Raleigh, NC, guiding you to your next favorite eateries.

SalinasRaleighWhat You'll Love
Giorgio's Italian Food & PizzeriaVic's RistoranteAuthentic Italian ambiance and menu.
La Casa Del SazonJose and SonsOffers a blend of Mexican cuisine with a Southern twist.
Monterey Coast BrewingTrophy Brewing CompanyKnown for craft beers and pub food.
Eagle RestaurantBeasley’s Chicken + HoneyComfort food with a unique twist.
Salinas City BBQThe PitAuthentic North Carolina barbecue.
Gino's Fine Italian FoodGravyItalian dishes made with local ingredients.
The Grower's Pub SteakhouseSullivan’s SteakhouseHigh-end dining with quality steaks.
PatriaPoole’s DinerModern takes on classic American dishes.
First AwakeningsBig Ed's City Market RestaurantTraditional Southern breakfast.
Ellis Great American RestaurantState Farmers Market RestaurantOffers farm-to-table American cuisine.

When you move from Salinas to Raleigh, you might miss the familiar flavors you've grown to love but, finding comparable spots in your new city can be quite the adventure. For instance, fans of Giorgio's Italian Food & Pizzeria in Salinas will find a comforting semblance at Vic's Ristorante in Raleigh, where the Italian ambiance and authentic dishes recreate the experience. Similarly, if you're looking to replicate the atmosphere and taste of solid craft beer and pub food you enjoyed at Monterey Coast Brewing, Trophy Brewing Company warrants a visit. This establishment not only offers an impressive selection of craft beers but a menu that complements the beer perfectly, all reminiscent of your go-to spots back in Salinas. These transitions ensure that while the scenery may change, the quality of dining and the essence of enjoying a good meal remains constant.

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Ready to start your move?

Salinas vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, it's essential to understand how the real estate landscapes of your current and future cities stack up. This comparison aims to shed light on the vital aspects of housing in Salinas, CA, and Raleigh, NC , focusing on cost, statistics, architecture, walkability , and more, to inform your relocation decision.

ComparisonSalinasRaleigh
Typical Architecture StyleRanchColonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, proximity to agricultureCommunity amenities, green spaces

In moving from Salinas to Raleigh, you'll notice a significant shift in the real estate landscape. For starters, the median home prices and rent in Salinas are noticeably higher than in Raleigh. Architectural styles also vary, with Salinas favoring Ranch-style homes that emphasize spaciousness and connection to the sprawling outdoor landscapes, consistent with California's broader architectural trends. Conversely, Raleigh leans towards the Colonial Revival style, which reflects the region's historical roots and offers a classic, timeless aesthetic. The emphasis on community amenities and green spaces in Raleigh's real estate listings highlights a higher urban lifestyle rating than in Salinas, aligning with Raleigh's growing reputation as a hub for those seeking a balanced, yet vibrant urban experience.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. North Hills: With an abundance of pet-friendly shops and an expansive park, your pet will love the outdoor activities available.

2. Boylan Heights: This neighborhood is known for its pet-friendly community atmosphere and easy access to Dorothea Dix Park, a popular spot for dog walks and community gatherings.

3. Five Points: You and your pet will enjoy walking through the historical streets and visiting local pet-friendly businesses, including several cafes and eateries that welcome furry friends.

Salinas vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When preparing for a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in weather between Salinas, CA, and Raleigh, NC is crucial. This comparison will help you prepare for the climate changes you'll encounter and ensure you're ready for your new environment.

Summer icon
68°F / 52°F

Salinas, CA

89°F / 67°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
62°F / 43°F

Salinas, CA

50°F / 32°F

Raleigh, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15

Salinas, CA

43

Raleigh, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Salinas, CA

4.5

Raleigh, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSalinasRaleigh
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from Salinas to Raleigh, you should prepare for hotter summers and cooler winters, with Raleigh reaching higher summer temperatures and having more pronounced seasons. Notably, Raleigh experiences significantly more annual rainfall compared to Salinas, contributing to its lush landscape but also potential for higher humidity levels. While Salinas boasts more days of sunshine, Raleigh's diverse weather includes the chance for snow. Understanding these differences helps in adapting your lifestyle and activities in your new city. For instance, mainland weather in Raleigh might encourage a different wardrobe selection, especially for winter, and prepare you for the seasonal changes throughout the year.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salinas to Raleigh

When moving from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how the financial elements like cost of living and taxes will impact your wallet. This comparison between Salinas, CA, and Raleigh, NC, highlights key economic differences to better prepare you for your move. Understanding these variances can significantly ease your transition and financial planning.

ComparisonSalinasRaleigh
Avg. Household Income$80,154$74,612
Cost of Living Index136.498.2
State Income Tax1 - 13.35.25 (flat rate)
Avg. Property Tax0.790.84
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.25
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailTechnology, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

While the average household income in Salinas is notably higher than Raleigh's, the cost of living index indicates that your dollar might stretch further in Raleigh due to its lower living costs. State income tax in California varies widely and is one of the highest in the country, whereas North Carolina adopts a flat rate, potentially offering greater predictability and savings for some income brackets. Raleigh also boasts a burgeoning technology sector, presenting lucrative career opportunities. Additionally, while both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, the scale and resources available to address these issues vary, with Raleigh showing a moderate level compared to Salinas' more significant struggles.

Salinas vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to this quick overview aimed at giving you a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in your current and future cities. This guide will compare the politics between Salinas & Raleigh and provide insights into the typical religious affiliations in both areas.

SalinasRaleigh
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsCommunity-focusedProgressive initiatives
ReligionChristianity predominates, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominates, growing diversity in faiths

In both Salinas and Raleigh, the political landscape has a Democratic leaning, reflecting similar values and priorities among residents. While Salinas places a strong emphasis on community-focused initiatives, Raleigh is distinguished by its progressive actions, including environmental and societal improvements. Religion plays a significant role in the community fabric of both cities, with Christianity being predominant. However, both cities are experiencing growing diversity in faiths, reflecting their dynamic and evolving communities. This outlook provides a foundation for understanding your new environment as you make the transition.

Salinas vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This section aims to provide a comparative glimpse of the traffic and transportation options between Salinas & Raleigh, assisting you in understanding what your daily commute and the overall transit landscape might look like after the move.

ComparisonSalinasRaleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2325
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingDifficult

While the average commute time in Salinas is slightly less than in Raleigh, the difference is minimal, indicating similar experiences in daily travel durations. However, the level of traffic congestion in Salinas is perceived to be slightly higher, although both cities are relatively manageable compared to larger urban areas. The availability of public transit is somewhat better in Salinas, which could be crucial if you're considering living without a vehicle. Although it's possible to get by without a car in Salinas, in Raleigh, it's more difficult due to less extensive public transportation options and a city layout that is more spread out. Each city presents its unique challenges and benefits when it comes to commuting, suggesting that your travel experience will change, but not dramatically, after the move.

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