($430+) Newark, NJ to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $409 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,116 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 479 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,217, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,116 or more.
- Moving containers run $943 - $3,052, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $409 - $1,135.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,966 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,966 - $4,969. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 479 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 479-mile route from Newark to Durham, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,217 - $3,510, container $943 - $1,758, rental truck $409 - $771, freight trailer $848 - $1,519.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,966 - $4,969, container $1,258 - $2,353, rental truck $440 - $906, freight trailer $1,017 - $1,921.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,471 - $7,116, container $1,757 - $3,052, rental truck $542 - $1,135, freight trailer $1,298 - $2,466.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC
For the 479-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $1,217 and $7,116. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $362 - $2,412 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Newark generally start around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $3,510
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,966 - $4,969
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,471 - $7,116
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Newark to Durham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $603 - $6,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $241 - $1,447/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $362 - $2,894 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,206 - $3,618 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,015 - $12,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $903 - $1,716 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,206 - $3,015 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $965 - $4,221 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $362 - $1,809 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $784 - $2,412 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $362 - $18,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $362 - $4,221+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Durham?
North Carolina Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in North Carolina, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Newark, NJ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Newark to Durham with a local mover averages $1,985 - $5,018. Working with a local mover based in Newark, NJ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Roadway Moving (4.78/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Newark, ranked # in New Jersey, based on our analysis of feedback from 790 customers, 92.3% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 11232 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $943 and $3,052. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Newark costs roughly $130/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $943 - $1,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,258 - $2,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,052
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Newark, NJ and Durham, NC. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $844 in Newark, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $90 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $181 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to North Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $943. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,258 - $2,353, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Durham?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Newark to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina, range from $409 - $1,135 for the 479-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $184 - $210
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Newark to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $409 - $771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $440 - $906
- 4+ bedrooms: $542 - $1,135
Pro tip: The base rate of $409 - $1,135 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Newark to Durham. Fuel ($184 - $210) , lodging at around $181/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $844.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $184 - $210 for the 479-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $72 and $392, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $181 per night for hotel stops on the 479-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $362 - $543.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Durham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,085 and $1,921.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $848 - $1,519
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,017 - $1,921
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,298 - $2,466
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $90 - $181 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $844.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Durham fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs Durham, NC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Durham, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 99 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,699/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $355,053 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $79,234/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 4.5% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 30/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 45.28/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Newark, NJ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to North Carolina over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 89 movers in our New Jersey network to compare for this 479-mile move.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, to Durham, NC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,217 - $7,116 on the 479-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $943 - $3,052, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $409 - $1,135. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,966 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Durham, NC
What do local movers charge in Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $1,217 to $7,116, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,217 and $7,116, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Newark, NJ to Durham, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $440 - $906. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($184 - $210), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $181/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
