Moving from Seattle, WA to Raleigh, NC

Planting roots in the City of Oaks? Here’s what to know coming from Seattle 

Considering a move from Seattle, WA to Raleigh, NC? It’s a long trek and a big change, but all signs point to it being a great choice! With all it has to offer, North Carolina’s state capital and second-largest city is highly rated among the best places to live. Residents have described it as a growing city with a relaxed vibe that maintains a friendly, small-town feel. 

Find out how Raleigh compares to Seattle in several key categories. And before you rent a moving truck and tackle the 2,800-mile trek on your own, we’ll tell you about an easier option at a comparable price. 

Your dollars go further in Raleigh than in Seattle 

Despite Raleigh’s growing popularity, home prices there are considerably lower than in Seattle. The average home in Raleigh ($236,700) costs 62 percent less than in Seattle ($605,200). Popular suburban communities like Cary, Morrisville and Apex provide even more family-friendly options in the Raleigh area. 

Overall, Raleigh’s cost of living is 41 percent lower than Seattle’s.  

Satisfy your thirst for knowledge in the Triangle  

Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill make up the tri-city region (also called the Triangle), one of the most prominent high-tech research and development centers in the country. It’s a vibrant, diverse and growing area anchored by three major universities: North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Like Seattle, the focus on education begins early in Raleigh’s nearly 200 highly rated primary and secondary schools. Raleigh has been rated as one of the most educated cities in the country, which should provide some peace of mind if you’re moving with kids! 

Step into a strong, diverse economy 

Careers in technology and health care, which are popular in Seattle, translate well to Raleigh. Both cities also boast a low unemployment rate.  

In the Raleigh area, Research Triangle Park is a 7,000-acre space that provides full-time employment to about 40,000 area residents. Top employers there include BASF Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Cisco Systems, Inc. and IBM Corporation.  

Prepare for a much warmer climate going from Seattle to Raleigh 

You’re used to Seattle’s cool temperatures, rain and overcast skies, but get ready for a big change in Raleigh. The weather there is similar to the rest of the American south with hot and humid summers, and cool, damp winters. 

Compared to Seattle, Raleigh generally has much warmer weather and more sunny days each year than Seattle. Plus, Raleigh’s 40-plus inches of rainfall helps keep the surroundings green and lush. 

Go U-Pack from Seattle and get a stress-free start in Raleigh!  

Concerned about driving a large rental truck clear across the country? Let U-Pack® help. With our nationwide network and quick transit times, we make long-distance moving easy and efficient — and best of all, we’ll handle the driving!  

Travel from Seattle on your own and meet your belongings in Raleigh, safe and sound. Get started today with a free moving quote.