Best Raleigh to Phoenix Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Raleigh to Phoenix and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,271 mile move from North Carolina to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 45 Raleigh to Phoenix 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 Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Raleigh compared to Phoenix. 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 Raleigh to Phoenix Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.759.64Authorized For HHGContact
2Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.329.4Authorized For PropertyContact
5Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Raleigh to Phoenix

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,271 miles from Raleigh, NC to Phoenix, AZ will cost on average $3,712 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Raleigh to Phoenix move is roughly $8,965. 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$2,490300 ft³8.30
1 Bedroom$3,712450 ft³8.25
2 Bedrooms$6,150750 ft³8.20
3 Bedrooms$8,9651100 ft³8.15
4 Bedrooms$12,9601600 ft³8.10
5+ Bedrooms$14,4901800 ft³8.05
*Please note: These North Carolina to Arizona moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & Arizona. 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 NC to AZ mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Phoenix to Raleigh guide.

Compare the 5 Best Raleigh to Phoenix Movers

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

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.75/10
based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
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
2
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
3
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 991+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
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.

Raleigh vs. Phoenix Neighborhood Comparison

Whether you're planning a move or just curious about your new city, it's helpful to compare it with what you know. We'll provide a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Raleigh, NC & Phoenix, AZ to ease the transition and help you find a familiar feeling in an unfamiliar place.

RaleighPhoenixHow They're Similar
Five PointsArcadiaTree-lined streets, historic homes
North HillsDesert RidgeShopping and dining hub
OakwoodCoronadoHistoric, with a strong community
Boylan HeightsRoosevelt RowArtsy and vibrant community
Cameron VillageUptownMixed-use development, walkable
Warehouse DistrictDowntown PhoenixUrban, with arts and entertainment
Glenwood SouthOld Town ScottsdaleNightlife and entertainment
Fayetteville StreetMill AvenueRestaurants, bars, and events
MordecaiWilloQuiet, historic residential area
Brier CreekAhwatukee FoothillsFamily-friendly, with outdoor activities

For those moving from Raleigh to Phoenix and looking for a neighborhood with a strong community vibe like Oakwood, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Coronado, Phoenix. Coronado boasts historic homes and a tight-knit community, reminiscent of Oakwood's charm. If nightlife and entertainment are what you're after, reminiscent of Glenwood South in Raleigh, Old Town Scottsdale in Phoenix is the perfect match. Known for its vibrant nightlife and abundant entertainment options, it's a hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Both neighborhood pairs offer a mix of dining, shopping, and recreational activities that cater to a wide range of interests and lifestyles, offering a seamless transition for those relocating.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to Phoenix

Moving across the country can be a major life decision filled with both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Raleigh, NC to Phoenix, AZ . By examining the pros and cons , you can make an informed decision about this significant change.

CONs
PROs
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Smaller city feel
  • Less diverse landscapes
  • Fewer major sports teams
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Dryer climate
  • Larger metropolitan area
  • More varied natural scenery
  • More major league sports
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Less vegetation
  • Less precipitation
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • Landlocked state
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Lush greenery
  • More rainfall
  • Rich historical sites
  • Closer to beaches

Moving from Raleigh to Phoenix, you'll exchange the lush greenery and historical richness of North Carolina for the dramatic desert landscapes and expansive urban area of Arizona. In Phoenix, you can explore a wide-range of natural scenery, from the majestic Camelback Mountain to the serene Desert Botanical Garden. The city's vibrant downtown area, home to Chase Field and the Phoenix Art Museum, offers diverse dining and entertainment options. Investments in parks and recreational areas, such as South Mountain Park, provide ample outdoor activities. While you may miss Raleigh's proximity to the ocean and its more moderate climate, Phoenix’s dynamic urban environment and its proximity to natural wonders like the Grand Canyon present an appealing new lifestyle.

Raleigh vs. Phoenix Food Guide

When comparing the local cuisine between Raleigh, NC, and Phoenix, AZ, it’s clear that food is a vital part of the local culture and living experience in these areas. This comparison aims to give you a better understanding of the food scene you’ll be diving into, whether you’re moving from Raleigh to Phoenix or simply exploring your culinary options.

RaleighPhoenix
Most iconic local food itemPulled pork BBQSonoran hot dog
Most popular meat dishEastern NC barbecueCarne asada
Most popular street food itemBarbecue ribsTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruitVegan burrito
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole’s Diner
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Angus Barn
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • FnB
  • Barrio Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Raleigh, the BBQ culture dominates, with places like Poole’s Diner and Angus Barn offering classic Southern eats alongside innovative dishes. Meanwhile, Phoenix delights with its unique Southwestern flair, where Pizzeria Bianco and Barrio Café stand out for their local and fresh takes on traditional recipes, especially the iconic Sonoran hot dog. Both cities have embraced food truck culture, but it’s particularly vibrant in Phoenix, reflecting its dynamic street food scene with an abundance of taco and burrito options that cater to all dietary preferences, including plenty of vegan delights.

Raleigh vs. Phoenix Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a significant role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to bridge the gap between Raleigh, NC, and Phoenix, AZ, by guiding you towards finding your next favorite dining spots. Whether you’re a fan of high-end dining or prefer casual eateries, this comparison will assist in making your transition smoother.

RaleighPhoenixWhat You'll Love
Bida MandaGlai BaanDelicious Laotian and Thai-inspired dishes, cozy, and unique atmosphere.
GarlandBai TongAuthentic, innovative Asian cuisine with a strong emphasis on flavors.
Poole's DinerFnBLocally sourced American cuisine, celebrated for both innovation and tradition.
Brewery BhavanaFate Brewing CompanyOffers an eclectic variety of craft beers and contemporary eats.
La Farm BakeryNoble BreadRenowned for artisan breads, showcasing a commitment to quality and flavor.
Angus BarnSteak 44Upscale steakhouse experience, known for its exceptional cuts and elegant setting.
Beasley’s Chicken + HoneyLo-Lo's Chicken & WafflesFamous for soul food and comfort dishes, a casual and fun atmosphere.
Morgan Street Food HallDeSoto Central MarketA variety of local food vendors in a communal space, offering something for every taste.
The PitLittle Miss BBQRenowned for authentic barbecue, capturing the essence of traditional American BBQ.
Mateo Bar De TapasTapas Papa FritaSpanish cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a wide selection of tapas.

For those who appreciate the craft of brewing, Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh finds its match in Phoenix's Fate Brewing Company, where the dedication to creating unique beer blends parallels. If you're transitioning from Raleigh to Phoenix and yearn for the rich flavors and warm atmosphere of La Farm Bakery, Noble Bread in Phoenix will welcome you with its commitment to quality artisan breads, mirroring the charm and taste that made La Farm a staple in your Raleigh routine. Steak enthusiasts moving from the Angus Barn’s celebrated cuts in Raleigh will find solace in Steak 44's exquisite offerings, where the attention to detail and quality echoes the high standard you've come to love. These pairings not only offer a glimpse into the culinary treasures awaiting in Phoenix but also ensure the transition feels less like leaving old favorites behind and more like discovering new ones.

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Raleigh vs. Phoenix Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly impacts your relocation experience, making it crucial to understand how Raleigh, NC and Phoenix, AZ measure up in terms of housing. This comparison sheds light on the distinct real estate landscapes of these two cities, focusing on costs, architecture, and lifestyle .

ComparisonRaleighPhoenix
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, Pueblo
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGreen spaces, Proximity to Research Triangle ParkSwimming pools, Easy desert access

When juxtaposing the real estate markets of Raleigh and Phoenix, notable distinctions emerge, particularly in lifestyle offerings and housing costs. Raleigh's appeal often lies in its lush green environments and proximity to the prestigious Research Triangle Park, making it a beacon for professionals. Conversely, Phoenix is celebrated for its unique desert landscape, with many homes boasting swimming pools to combat the heat. Despite the slight difference in median home prices and rent, both cities offer an array of architectural styles, from the colonial and craftsman homes in Raleigh to the ranch and pueblo styles prevalent in Phoenix. These factors play a substantial role in shaping the urban lifestyle of each city, reflected in their respective walkability and bikeability scores.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ

1. Midtown Phoenix: Known for its walkable streets and numerous pet-friendly patios, your furry friends will love the welcoming atmosphere and Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub for a bite where pets are happily seen on the patio.

2. Arcadia: This neighborhood is a paradise for pets with spacious backyards and close proximity to Camelback Mountain for adventurous walks and hikes, making it perfect for active dogs.

3. Roosevelt Row: This artsy district not only welcomes pets in many galleries and cafes but also hosts pet-centric events like the annual Phoestivus market, making it an incredibly fun and engaging community for pet lovers.

Raleigh vs. Phoenix Weather Considerations

When relocating from Raleigh, NC to Phoenix, AZ, it's crucial to compare the climate differences. This comparison will help you prepare for the weather adjustments you'll face. Understanding how the weather in Raleigh contrasts with Phoenix essentially aids in a smoother transition.

Summer icon
89/68

Raleigh, NC

106/83

Phoenix, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/31

Raleigh, NC

67/46

Phoenix, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Raleigh, NC

8

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Raleigh, NC

0

Phoenix, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRaleighPhoenix
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHeatwaves, Dust Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Raleigh to Phoenix means trading mild, humid summers for extreme, dry heat. Your body will need time to adapt to the lower humidity and higher temperatures of Phoenix. The significant increase in sunshine days comes with a higher UV index, emphasizing the importance of sun protection. Moreover, air quality and natural disaster risks shift from hurricanes and tornadoes to heatwaves and dust storms, respectively. Understanding these aspects will enable you to make necessary lifestyle adjustments for a comfortable transition.

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

When considering a move from Raleigh, NC to Phoenix, AZ, it's crucial to evaluate the differences in financial aspects and cost of living between the two cities. Understanding how these changes will affect your wallet can help you make a more informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonRaleighPhoenix
Avg. Household Income$74,612$68,435
Cost of Living Index98.2100.7
State Income Tax5.254.50
Avg. Property Tax0.860.62
Avg. Sales Tax7.258.6
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, HealthcareManufacturing, Tourism, Technology
Affluencemoderately affluentmoderate
Povertylowmoderately low
Homelessnessminimalnoticeable

Moving from Raleigh to Phoenix, you’ll find subtle but significant differences in the financial landscape. Despite Phoenix having a slightly higher cost of living index, its state income tax is less, possibly leaving more money in your pocket. However, property taxes are lower in Raleigh, which could be beneficial if you are a homeowner. Sales tax in Phoenix is higher, which could affect your daily expenditures. The economy in both cities is buoyed by technology but diversifies with tourism significantly contributing to Phoenix's economy. While both cities enjoy a fairly low poverty rate, the description of homelessness as "noticeable" in Phoenix compared to "minimal" in Raleigh suggests a nuanced social dynamic that you might want to consider.

Raleigh vs. Phoenix Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from Raleigh, NC to Phoenix, AZ, it's helpful to get a quick snapshot of the communities you're transitioning between. This comparison focuses on the political and religious makeup between Raleigh & Phoenix, providing you with an at-a-glance view of what to expect in both cities.

RaleighPhoenix
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsModerately progressiveModerately progressive
ReligionChristian majority, diverse religious presenceChristian majority, significant Catholic presence

In both Raleigh and Phoenix, you'll find a political landscape that leans Democratic, reflecting moderates' and progressives' shared values in local governance. This likeness may ease your transition, offering a somewhat familiar political atmosphere. Raleigh's diverse religious presence aligns with Phoenix, where a significant Catholic community marks its cultural fabric. This comparison indicates that while you're moving across the country, the core values and beliefs of your new neighborhood may not be as different as you might expect.

Raleigh vs. Phoenix Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Raleigh, NC, to Phoenix, AZ, it's crucial to grasp how this is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Raleigh & Phoenix can significantly impact your daily commute and overall living experience.

ComparisonRaleighPhoenix
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2525
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingDifficult

In both cities, having a car significantly eases daily commutes, given the average commute time of 25 minutes. However, traffic congestion is slightly more pronounced in Phoenix, making it imperative to plan your travel times accordingly. While Phoenix edges out Raleigh slightly in terms of public transit availability, both cities find public transit options limited, making car ownership almost a necessity for convenient daily navigation. Navigating these cities without a car can be feasible but requires patience and strategic planning, especially for longer distances.

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