Best Virginia Beach to Raleigh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Virginia Beach to Raleigh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 204 mile move from Virginia to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 Virginia Beach to Raleigh moving companies and more than 20,000 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 $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Raleigh Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
3Marathon Moving Services9.299.25Authorized For HHG
4Prime Movers USA9.099.39Authorized For Property, HHG
5A Friendly & Affordable Mover8.238.74Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Virginia Beach to Raleigh?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 204 miles from Virginia Beach, VA to Raleigh, NC will cost on average $1,661 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Virginia Beach to Raleigh move is roughly $3,968. 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$1,120300 ft³$3.73
1 Bedroom$1,661450 ft³$3.69
2 Bedrooms$2,737750 ft³$3.65
3 Bedrooms$3,9681100 ft³$3.61
4 Bedrooms$5,7041600 ft³$3.56
5+ Bedrooms$6,3401800 ft³$3.52
*Please note: These Virginia to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & 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 VA to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Virginia Beach guide.

Compare the 5 Best Virginia Beach 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

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ 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 3,932+ 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
Marathon Moving Services Logo

Marathon Moving Services

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.29/10
based on 970+ data points

MMS

Virginia Beach, VA, 23464

About Marathon Moving Services

Are you looking for an independently-owned moving company that provides affordable and reliable moving services in Virginia Beach? Marathon Moving Services...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Packing & Delivery

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3572153 / 1552140

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Prime Movers USA Logo

Prime Movers USA

Exceptional9.09/10
based on 576+ data points

531 Fountain Lake Dr

Virginia Beach, VA, 23451

About Prime Movers USA

Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Prime Movers offers premium moving services at unmatched prices. Founded in 2015, it takes pride in...

Services

  • Local moves (within 50 miles)
  • Long distance moves (over 50 miles)
  • Packing/unpacking services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2995403 / 21183

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved9,060 (2023)
View Full Review
4
A Friendly & Affordable Mover Logo

A Friendly & Affordable Mover

Very Good
claimed company icon
8.23/10
based on 1,134+ data points

516 Central Dr Suite 104

Virginia Beach, VA, 23454

About A Friendly & Affordable Mover

A Friendly and Affordable Mover is a locally-owned moving company in Virginia Beach, VA. Founded in 1989, this company is one...

Services

  • Local and long-distance professional moving services
  • Free in-home estimates
  • Loading and unloading services for rental trucks, storage areas, and PODS

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3239170 / 1036449

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (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.

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to a city you're unfamiliar with. To ease this transition, we've created a guide to help you find Virginia Beach, VA & Raleigh, NC neighborhoods that share similar vibes and amenities. Whether you're looking for bustling urban areas or quiet suburban streets, this comparison will help you find your new home's best match.

Virginia BeachRaleighHow They're Similar
AlantonNorth RidgeEstablished, family-friendly community
Bay ColonyHayes BartonUpscale, historic charm
Chicks BeachFive PointsEclectic, close to water activities
Croatan BeachBoylan HeightsHistoric, with a tight-knit community feel
Great NeckInside WadeModern, with a mix of families and professionals
Kings GrantStonehengeSpacious homes, community-oriented
Ocean ParkNorth HillsVibrant shopping and dining scene
Red Mill FarmBrier CreekAmple amenities, convenient location
SandbridgeBrookhavenPeaceful, with nature reserves
ThoroughgoodBedfordFamily-friendly, with a sense of history

For those moving from the coastal vibes of Chicks Beach, you'll find Raleigh's Five Points an eclectic blend of historic charm and modern conveniences, where local boutiques meet gourmet restaurants like Litty City Kitchen and Bar. If the serene, upscale atmosphere of Bay Colony appeals to you, Hayes Barton in Raleigh offers a similar upscale experience with historic homes and tranquil tree-lined streets, not to mention the proximity to cultural landmarks such as the North Carolina Museum of Art. Meanwhile, the vibrant community and outdoor activities around Ocean Park can be similarly experienced in North Hills, known for its dynamic blend of live, work, and play environments, including popular spots like Coquette Brasserie for those who enjoy French cuisine in an elegant setting.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia Beach to Raleigh

Embarking on a relocation journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the Virginia Beach, VA to Raleigh, NC move, outlining the good and the bad. Whether it’s the cost of living, climate, or job opportunities, knowing what lies ahead can help you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Higher humidity
  • Seasonal tourists
  • Higher cost of living
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Milder climate
  • Less crowded
  • More affordable
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • No direct beach
  • Fewer tourist attractions
  • Quieter nightlife
Virginia Beach, VA iconVirginia Beach, VA
  • Beach access
  • Lively boardwalk
  • Vibrant nightlife

Relocating from Virginia Beach to Raleigh introduces changes in lifestyle, environment, and opportunities. Virginia Beach’s oceanfront provides not just beach access but a lively boardwalk filled with shops like The Virginia Peach and entertainment options that beckon tourists and locals alike. Raleigh, while lacking direct beach access, compensates with a rich, vibrant urban life amidst green spaces such as the Pullen Park and historical sites like the North Carolina Museum of History. Its milder climate and affordability make it an attractive destination, despite a quieter nightlife. More so, Raleigh's burgeoning food scene, boasting restaurants such as Brewery Bhavana, showcases an evolving array of culinary delights that promise to satisfy diverse palates. This move might mean trading the ocean's waves for lush, rolling landscapes, but it opens up new avenues for growth and exploration.

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Virginia Beach & Raleigh is crucial as food profoundly reflects the unique culture and lifestyle of an area. This comparison will equip you with a better understanding of what the culinary scene looks like in your new city.

Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Most iconic local food item
Seafood Boil
Pulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dish
Crab Cakes
Eastern NC BBQ
Most popular street food item
Fish Tacos
Food Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Seitan Wings
BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Waterman's Surfside Grille
  • The Atlantic
  • Tautog's Restaurant
  • The Pit Authentic Barbecue
  • Brewery Bhavana
  • Bida Manda
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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In Virginia Beach, the fresh seafood, specifically the seafood boil, is a testament to the city's oceanfront location, with places like Waterman's Surfside Grille becoming a must-visit. On the other hand, Raleigh's heart and soul lie in its BBQ, especially the pulled pork, which is a reflection of the state's rich barbecue tradition. Here, The Pit Authentic Barbecue is an iconic spot that locals swear by. Raleigh offers a rising vegan scene, showcasing innovative dishes like BBQ jackfruit, aligning with the city’s higher health consciousness. The availability and diversity of food trucks in Raleigh, serving everything from gourmet tacos to local delicacies, illustrate the city's vibrant and evolving foodie scene.

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering places that remind you of home, especially when it comes to food. This restaurant comparison chart Virginia Beach to Raleigh aims to bridge the gap between the familiar and the new, making the transition smoother by guiding you to your next favorite eateries. Let's dive into the culinary journey from Virginia Beach to Raleigh.

Virginia BeachRaleighWhat You'll Love
Waterman's Surfside Grille42nd Street Oyster BarClassic seafood dining experience.
Le Yaca French RestaurantSaint Jacques French CuisineAuthentic French dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
Doc Taylor'sBig Ed's City Market RestaurantSouthern comfort food in a homely setting.
Tautog's RestaurantThe Fiction KitchenCreative take on vegetarian cuisine, offering a unique dining experience.
Citizen KebabSittiExquisite Middle Eastern flavors made with care.
Bella Monte Restaurant & EnotecaVivaceItalian dining that pairs perfectly with their wine selection.
Blue Seafood & SpiritsPlates Neighborhood KitchenLocally sourced ingredients and seafood specials.
Steinhilber's RestaurantAngus BarnIconic steakhouse with a rich history and excellent meats.
Pocahontas PancakesBig Dom's Bagel ShopDelightful breakfast and brunch spot with standout bagels.
Gringo's TaqueriaJose and SonsA blend of Mexican cuisine with a Southern twist.

For those who appreciate the ocean's bounty, Waterman's Surfside Grille in Virginia Beach and 42nd Street Oyster Bar in Raleigh ensure that seafood lovers are well taken care of, both offering a traditional and satisfying dining experience. If your preference leans towards the intricacies of French cuisine, Le Yaca and Saint Jacques French Cuisine will transport your senses straight to France with their meticulous attention to flavor and atmosphere. Meanwhile, Doc Taylor's and Big Ed's City Market Restaurant showcase the rich, comforting essence of Southern comfort food, making sure you feel right at home with every bite. This guide not only helps you find similar restaurants in Raleigh but also ensures that you continue to enjoy the meals you love while exploring new dining experiences.

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Ready to start your move?

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly impacts the moving process, making it crucial to understand how Virginia Beach and Raleigh compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more. This comparison will guide your decision-making as you plan your move.

Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Typical Architecture Style
Coastal, Colonial
Colonial Revival, Modern
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Beach access, ocean views
Large yards, proximity to Research Triangle Park

When weighing the pros and cons of moving from Virginia Beach to Raleigh, certain aspects, such as the slightly higher median home price in Raleigh, warrant consideration. However, Raleigh offers a more engaging urban lifestyle with a higher score in walkability and bikeability, reflecting its commitment to developing accessible urban environments. The typical architectural styles also reflect the cities' characters: Virginia Beach showcases coastal influences, while Raleigh displays a mix of Colonial Revival and modern designs. The emphasis on large yards and proximity to significant employment hubs like Research Triangle Park in Raleigh real estate listings points to a city that balances work and leisure effectively—a key factor for many newcomers.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. Five Points : You’ll love the convenient access to several dog-friendly parks and walking trails that make exercising and socializing with your pet enjoyable.

2. North Hills : This area offers pet-friendly apartments and a variety of outdoor spaces, including a nearby dog park, making it easy to live and play with your furry friend.

3. Glenwood South : With its numerous pet-welcoming cafes, bars, and community events, you and your pet can enjoy vibrant social activities together.

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

When planning to move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Raleigh, NC, it's essential to gauge how the weather may vary. This comparison provides insight into what you can expect in terms of temperature, humidity, sunshine, and more, ensuring a smoother transition between these two locations. Understanding the weather differences between Virginia Beach and Raleigh can help you prepare for your new home.

Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
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Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Flooding
Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

87°F / 70°F
89°F / 68°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

50°F / 32°F
52°F / 31°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

47
47
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

6
4


When considering the weather comparison, both Virginia Beach and Raleigh enjoy a relatively mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. One notable difference is Raleigh's slightly higher average high temperatures in the summer, and although both cities see a good amount of sunshine, Raleigh might experience more moderate air quality conditions. Additionally, both locations have a similar annual rainfall, but Virginia Beach tends to receive a bit more snow. Understanding these subtleties can help you adapt to your new environment in Raleigh more comfortably.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your finances. It's vital to understand how the cost of living and income potential in Virginia Beach, VA, and Raleigh, NC, will affect your budget. This comparison will help you manage expectations and plan effectively.

Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Avg. Household Income
$81,634
$74,612
Cost of Living Index
96.6
98.2
State Income Tax
5.75
5.25
Avg. Property Tax
0.80
0.84
Avg. Sales Tax
6.0
7.25
Top 3 Industries
Defense, Tourism, Agriculture
Technology, Education, Government
Affluence
Moderately affluent
Increasingly affluent
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
Concerning
Moderate

In transitioning from Virginia Beach to Raleigh, you'll find the overall cost of living and average household income to be remarkably similar. However, Raleigh enjoys a slightly lower state income tax rate, potentially making it more attractive for your finances. Although the average sales tax is higher in Raleigh, the city's growing affluence and its standing as a tech and education hub might offer more robust job opportunities. Comparing both cities' tax structures and economic environments will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

In preparing for your move from Virginia Beach, VA to Raleigh, NC, understanding the local environment is crucial. This quick comparison aims to provide an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Virginia Beach & Raleigh, enabling smoother adjustments to your new surroundings.

Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Political Make-up
Moderately conservative
Moderately liberal
Local Politics
Republican-leaning in recent elections
Democrat-leaning in recent elections
Religion
Christianity dominates; diverse denominations
Christianity prevails; growing number of non-affiliated persons

As you embark on this exciting transition, understanding the differences in political and religious climates between Virginia Beach and Raleigh can greatly enhance your integration process. Virginia Beach, with its moderately conservative stance and Republican-leaning tendencies, contrasts with Raleigh's moderately liberal views and Democrat-leaning local politics. This shift is particularly notable in the engagement and outcomes of recent elections. Additionally, while Christianity is the prevalent religion in both cities, Raleigh is noted for its steadily increasing diversity in religious affiliations and a significant portion of non-affiliated residents. This diversity enriches the cultural and social fabric of Raleigh, offering a wider range of communities and support networks for newcomers to explore.

Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Raleigh, NC? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Virginia Beach & Raleigh will help you better understand what to expect regarding your daily commute and traffic experiences.

Virginia Beach
Raleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24
25
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
3 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Moderately Easy

In Virginia Beach, your daily commute might be slightly breezier but not without its challenges due to limited public transit options, making it difficult to get around without a car. Raleigh, on the other hand, offers a bit more in the way of public transportation availability, making it easier for those who prefer not to drive every day. Though traffic congestion is a bit lower in Raleigh, the average commute times are similar, indicating that while traffic might be lighter, distances or route options could play a significant role in travel time. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare for and adjust to your new city’s driving and commuting dynamics.

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