Best Raleigh to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the City of Oaks to the Golden City is certainly an exhilarating life-changing journey. Leaving behind Raleigh's lush greenery and down-to-earth vibe for San Francisco's iconic hills and dynamic cultural tapestry can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Understanding the magnitude of this coast-to-coast move, it's crucial for you to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, which is why we've used our unbiased ranking algorithm to identify the best movers for you.
Best Raleigh to San Francisco Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Raleigh Moving Company | 9.43 | NR | Active | Contact |
| Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Bay - L.A. Express Moving | 9.33 | D | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Capital Moving & Storage | 9.27 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Raleigh guide.
5 Best Raleigh to San Francisco Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distan...Read More >>
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving ExpertsAbout Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residenti...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
About Bay - L.A. Express Moving
Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>
Services
- Long-distance moving
- Small relocation
- Full packing services
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. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
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.
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. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
To help you transition smoothly from Raleigh, NC, to San Francisco, CA, this guide will compare local neighborhoods between Raleigh, NC & San Francisco, CA. By identifying the Raleigh neighborhood you love most, we can find its San Francisco counterpart. This comparison aims to make the unknown familiar, allowing for an exciting yet seamless move.
| Raleigh | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Raleigh | SoMa | Vibrant arts scene and nightlife |
| Five Points | Noe Valley | Family-friendly with a cozy vibe |
| North Hills | Marina District | Upscale shopping and dining |
| Boylan Heights | Mission District | Historic with a rich culture |
| Oakwood | Pacific Heights | Picturesque streets and classic homes |
| Cameron Village | Haight-Ashbury | Unique shops and bohemian vibe |
| Hayes Barton | Presidio Heights | Affluent with grand homes |
| Brier Creek | Sunset District | Suburban feel within the city |
| Mordecai | North Beach | Vibrant, with a strong sense of community |
| Glenwood South | The Castro | Lively LGBTQ+ scene and nightlife |
Exploring these neighborhoods in detail, imagine walking through the Marina District, reminiscent of Raleigh's North Hills with its trendy boutiques like Madewell and upscale dining spots akin to Angus Barn. If your heart belongs to the historic charm and tree-lined streets of Boylan Heights, the Mission District's colorful murals and cultural richness, including landmarks like Mission Dolores Park, will captivate you. On weekends, you might find yourself exploring Haight-Ashbury, with its eclectic hustle similar to Cameron Village, browsing through unique finds at Amoeba Music or enjoying a coffee at Blue Bottle, immersing yourself in a blend of urban culture and community warmth that both cities cherish deeply.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh to San Francisco
Moving from one city to another can be a mix of excitement and apprehension. This comparison aims to highlight the transition from Raleigh, NC to San Francisco, CA, providing a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks. By examining both sides, you can gain a clearer perspective on what awaits you in this major life change.
Raleigh, NC- Lower job opportunities
- Mild winters
- Affordable living costs
- Less traffic
- Smaller tech scene
San Francisco, CA- Robust job market
- Milder climate overall
- Diverse culture
- Comprehensive public transport
- Booming tech industry
San Francisco, CA- Higher cost of living
- Expensive housing market
- Smaller living spaces
- Less personal space
- Faster pace of life
Raleigh, NC- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- Lower housing costs
- Spacious living areas
- More green space
- Slower pace of life
Both Raleigh and San Francisco offer unique advantages. For instance, Raleigh's Pullen Park and the North Carolina Museum of History provide excellent family-friendly destinations with ample space for leisure and learning. In contrast, San Francisco's vibrant cultural tapestry is showcased in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf, offering a blend of historical sights, diverse cuisines, and bustling markets. While Raleigh boasts a more relaxed lifestyle with spacious suburbs like Cary and Apex, San Francisco thrives with its dynamic, innovation-driven economy centered around areas like Silicon Valley. Thus, the move from Raleigh to San Francisco promises a transition from a quieter, spacious environment to a bustling urban life rich with opportunities and cultural diversity.
Raleigh vs. San Francisco Food Guide
Understanding the essence of a locality can greatly be achieved through its cuisine. Food not only nourishes but also tells the story of a place's culture and the people. This comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & San Francisco aims to offer insights into what culinary experiences await you as you transition from one vibrant city to the other.
| Raleigh | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | North Carolina BBQ | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Mission Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Raleigh, you'll find a strong sense of Southern hospitality infused in its dishes, particularly noted in its famed North Carolina BBQ, a highlight at Poole's Diner. On the other hand, San Francisco offers a rich tapestry of multicultural influencesshown through its iconic sourdough bread and the beloved Mission Burrito, readily available in the vibrant neighborhood of Mission District. San Francisco also boasts a robust vegan scene, with establishments like Tartine Bakery offering delightful plant-based options that cater to a health-conscious demographic. Both cities offer unique culinary experiences that mirror their cultural diversity and evolving gastronomic landscapes.
Raleigh vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in turning a new city into home. This restaurant comparison will help bridge the move from Raleigh to San Francisco, guiding you to your next favorite dining spots based on your current preferences.
| Raleigh | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Brewery Bhavana | State Bird Provisions | Creative dishes in a unique dim sum style dining experience. |
| Garland | The Slanted Door | Modern Vietnamese cuisine with a farm-fresh take similar to Garland's innovative approach. |
| Pool's Diner | Mo's Grill | Classic diner feels with a focus on hearty, comforting meals. |
| Bida Manda | Hawker Fare | Vibrant Lao and Isaan Thai food, reminiscent of Bida Manda's Laotian offerings. |
| Death & Taxes | Nopa | Locally sourced ingredients with a focus on wood-fired dishes, offering a similar ambiance and quality. |
| Sitti | Tawla | Mediterranean dishes that bring forward the authenticity and comfort of home-cooked meals like Sitti. |
| Ashley Christensen Restaurants | Dominique Crenn Restaurants | Both groups of restaurants offer high-end dining experiences led by visionary female chefs. |
| Morgan Street Food Hall | Ferry Building Marketplace | A hub for local artisan food vendors, both offer a diverse array of gourmet options. |
| Beasley's Chicken + Honey | Brenda's French Soul Food | Southern comfort food with a twist, similarly honoring classic dishes with innovation. |
| Crawford and Son | Rich Table | A focus on seasonal American cuisine, each with a cozy, neighborhood feel. |
Discover the essence of Raleigh's culinary scene reimagined in San Francisco's diverse food landscape. For example, Brewery Bhavana's unique blend of brewery, dim sum restaurant, bookshop, and flower shop finds a counterpart in State Bird Provisions, with its innovative American cuisine served dim sum-style. This unique dining style promotes a shared dining experience, sparking conversations and connections. Likewise, the farm-to-table approach of Death & Taxes is mirrored by Nopa, where the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired cooking techniques highlights the parallels between the food philosophies of these two restaurants. Such comparisons not only ease the transition to a new city but also enrich your understanding and appreciation of local dining cultures.
Ready to start your move?
Raleigh vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, examining the real estate landscape is crucial for setting expectations and making informed decisions. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle between Raleigh, NC, and San Francisco, CA, covering key factors such as affordability, walkability, and the urban lifestyle each city offers.
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Victorian, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods | City views, Proximity to tech hubs |
Moving from Raleigh to San Francisco represents a significant shift not only in lifestyle but also in housing expectations. In Raleigh, you might enjoy a more suburban atmosphere, quieter neighborhoods, and more space for less money. San Francisco, by contrast, offers an unparalleled urban experience with its iconic Victorian houses and modern buildings, excellent walkability, and proximity to major tech hubs. However, this comes at a steep price, with median home prices and rent far surpassing those in Raleigh. This stark contrast underscores the importance of thoroughly understanding and preparing for the real estate market differences before making the move.
Raleigh vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
Relocating involves many changes and adapting to a new climate is one of them. Understanding how the weather in Raleigh compares to San Francisco is crucial in preparing for your move. Both cities offer unique weather patterns that could impact daily life, activities, and even your wardrobe choice.
Raleigh, NC
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Raleigh, NC
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Raleigh to San Francisco will introduce you to a more temperate climate. While Raleigh experiences humid summers and cold winters, San Francisco’s climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean, resulting in mild temperatures year-round. However, the fog in San Francisco can significantly lower temperatures, especially during summer. The lower annual rainfall and lack of snow in San Francisco compared to Raleigh means you might need fewer rain boots and no snow shovel. Additionally, while both cities have good air quality overall, San Francisco’s unique geography and Raleigh's susceptibility to seasonal allergies due to pollen and mold could affect individuals differently based on sensitivity.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Raleigh to San Francisco
When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand how your financial situation might change. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance-related aspects between Raleigh, NC, and San Francisco, CA , ensuring you’re well-prepared for the transition.
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,612 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.86 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Education, Healthcare | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Reasonably affluent | Highly affluent |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Significantly high |
Despite Raleigh's growing tech scene and decent average household income, it's clear the cost of living in San Francisco is considerably higher, which might be challenging to adjust to. The disparity extends beyond just income and living expenses, as reflected in the marked difference in the cost of living index. The richer industry diversity in San Francisco offers lucrative opportunities but comes with the state's highest income tax rate and a lifestyle that demands a higher income to maintain. Observing the detailed differences in affordability and tax obligations can help you better prepare for the financial shift accompanying your move.
Raleigh vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
When moving from Raleigh, NC, to San Francisco, CA, understanding the community you'll be joining is crucial. This brief overview provides a comparison of the politics and religious beliefs between Raleigh & San Francisco , giving you insight into the typical makeup of the population in these cities.
| Raleigh | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Mix of conservative and liberal policies | Liberal policies predominate |
| Religion | Diverse with a significant Christian population | Diverse with lower levels of religious affiliation |
In Raleigh, you'll find a balanced political environment that leans Democratic but includes a mix of conservative and liberal views. This reflects in local policies that sometimes take a moderate stance. Religion plays a significant role in the community, with a vibrant Christian presence among other beliefs. In contrast, San Francisco stands out for its strong Democratic lean and liberal policies, shaping much of the city's ethos. The city exhibits a high level of diversity in religious beliefs but is known for its lower levels of religious affiliation overall, making it a place of broad spiritual perspectives.
Raleigh vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Raleigh & San Francisco. Whether you're driving to work, using public transportation, or considering how viable it is to live without a car in both cities, this guide aims to provide insight into your new potential commute.
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Easier |
Moving from Raleigh to San Francisco means transitioning from a city where driving is often necessary to one where you might not need a car at all. In Raleigh, the average commute time is shorter, and traffic congestion is significantly less. However, public transportation options are limited, making car ownership more of a necessity. On the other hand, San Francisco offers extensive public transit options, making it easier to navigate the city without a car despite the higher traffic congestion. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for daily life in your new city.
Popular Raleigh, NC to California Moving Routes
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Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
