Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Jersey City to Durham typically costs $2,100–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 485 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Jersey City to Durham
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC typically costs $2,100–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 485-mile move from Jersey City to Durham, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,737 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,748 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,849 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 10, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Jersey City to Durham
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Jersey City to Durham may only cost $1,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Jersey City.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Durham, NC to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Best Jersey City to Durham movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Jersey City to Durham
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Jersey City to Durham. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NJ→NC movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 86 New Jersey moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than Jersey City - roughly 36% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $4,397 in Jersey City. For a family of four, it's $5,945 compared with $9,861.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jersey City | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,306 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,833 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $589,419 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,397 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,861 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.63% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 43% less expensive in Durham than in Jersey City, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 34% cheaper in Durham than in Jersey City.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 8% less in Durham than in Jersey City.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Durham. The cost of living for a single person there is 36% below that of Jersey City.
- A move to Durham can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 40% lower compared to Jersey City.
- Durham has a lower unemployment rate than Jersey City by about 51%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Durham surpass those in Jersey City by 13%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 58% less in North Carolina compared to New Jersey, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Jersey City versus Durham:
| Living Expense | Jersey City | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.73 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $80.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jersey City than in Durham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jersey City than in Durham.
- Eggs cost more in Jersey City than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in Jersey City than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Jersey City than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Jersey City than in Durham.
- Gym memberships cost more in Jersey City than in Durham.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Durham
| Jersey City | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 292,449 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 87 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 38 |
| Crime index | 43.21 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 56.79 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Durham's population is within about 5% of Jersey City, so they’re very similar in size.
- Durham's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Jersey City's score of 9.
- Durham is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Jersey City, which has a score of 64.
- Durham's crime rate is higher than Jersey City with a score of 54.72 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Jersey City with a score of 45.28 vs Jersey City's 56.79.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Jersey City it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City to Durham move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Durham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Durham
With your sights set on City of The Viper, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Durham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Durham?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Jersey City to Durham. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Jersey City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Durham?
Want to save on your move from Jersey City to Durham? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Jersey City to Durham take?
The 485-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to Durham, NC, takes one to four days. Some Jersey City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.
What kinds of discounts do Jersey City movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Jersey City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 movers offer special pricing for military members. 9 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Jersey City?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 143 movers in Jersey City provide piano moving services. 116 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 60 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
