Moving from Chapel Hill to Durham, NC
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Quick answer: Moving from Chapel Hill to Durham costs between $39 to $3,914 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 11-mile route within North Carolina take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Chapel Hill to Durham
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Chapel Hill to Durham are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Chapel Hill to driving and unloading in Durham, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 11 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $740 - $2,498 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $376 - $1,177 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $124 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $95/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to Durham?
It costs between $39 to $3,914 to move from Chapel Hill to Durham. The prices below break down your 11-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $422 - $3,914
- Moving containers: $123 - $1,566
- Rental trucks: $39 - $150
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $422 - $1,334 | $123 - $847 | $39 - $95 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $740 - $2,498 | $376 - $1,177 | $48 - $124 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,177 - $3,914 | $784 - $1,566 | $60 - $150 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $324 - $2,700+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $95/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $216 - $864 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $54 - $216 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Chapel Hill to Durham
At 11 miles, your Chapel Hill to Durham move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Chapel Hill to Durham. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout North Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 11 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Chapel Hill to Durham. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 93.2% of their 397 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham to Chapel Hill guide.
Considerations when moving from Chapel Hill to Durham
Cost of living: Chapel Hill vs. Durham
The cost of living in Chapel Hill vs. Durham goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Durham stacks up against Chapel Hill.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chapel Hill | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,699 |
| Average home cost | $566,857 | $355,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,825 | $79,234 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,248 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,790 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
- Rent in Durham is roughly 13% less expensive than in Chapel Hill. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Durham are 37% lower than in Chapel Hill, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Durham is 8% lower than in Chapel Hill. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Durham is 25% higher than in Chapel Hill, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Durham? Get ready for living expenses to be about 24% higher than in Chapel Hill. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Durham is a pricier place for families.
- Unemployment in Durham is 28% higher than in Chapel Hill. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Durham and Chapel Hill, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Chapel Hill, expect to budget around $3,750 to maintain the same lifestyle in Durham.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Durham
As you plan your move, comparing life in Chapel Hill vs. Durham is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Chapel Hill and Durham to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Chapel Hill | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 63,764 | 283,506 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 75-24 | Republican 51-48 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 29ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 4" |
| Crime index | 26.42 | 54.72 |
Durham sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Durham is about 345% larger than Chapel Hill. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- In the last presidential election, Durham voted Republican and Chapel Hill voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Durham and Chapel Hill are nearly identical, with averages around 89°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Chapel Hill and Durham experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 29°F and 30°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Chapel Hill to Durham. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 46 inches in Chapel Hill and 46 inches in Durham.
- Both Chapel Hill and Durham receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Chapel Hill averaging 4 inches and Durham seeing 4 inches.
- Crime rates are higher in Durham, with an index of 54.72, compared to Chapel Hill at 26.42.
Things to do in Durham
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Durham has something for everyone.
Museums in Durham
- Museum of Life + Science
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- Museum of Durham History
- V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
- Golden Belt
Parks in Durham
- West Point on the Eno
- RollingView Falls Lake State Park
- Durham Central Park
- Historic Durham Athletic Park
- Forest Hills Park
Sports teams in Durham
- Duke University (ACC)
- Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)
Universities in Durham
- Duke University
- North Carolina Central University
- Durham Technical Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chapel Hill to Durham?
Moving your furniture from Chapel Hill to Durham with a professional moving company usually ranges from $346 to $1,066. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $740 and $2,498. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,177 to $3,914 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Chapel Hill to Durham?
If you’re moving from Chapel Hill to Durham and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $116 to $798. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $376 and $1,177. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $784 to $1,566.
How much is a moving truck from Chapel Hill to Durham?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $37 and $94. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $48 to $124. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Chapel Hill to Durham, rental prices generally fall between $60 and $150.
How far in advance should I book Chapel Hill-to-Durham movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Chapel Hill to Durham at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Chapel Hill-to-Durham movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Durham?
If you want to save money on your move to Durham, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
