Top-rated local movers that handle Buffalo to Durham moves
When planning a move from Buffalo to Durham, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Buffalo who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Buffalo to Durham.
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Best Buffalo Movers : 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Pryority Movers : 4.02 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 40318
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3104397
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 40835
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Bulldog Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 41063
Years in Business: 6
Alternate Names: Pryority Delivery Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Durham?
Movers in New York charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,027 – $3,301 | $707 – $1,708 | $486 – $899 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,930 – $4,987 | $1,337 – $2,463 | $561 – $1,068 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,439 – $6,820 | $1,650 – $3,261 | $654 – $1,294 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Durham
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Durham, you can expect to spend between $1,027 and $3,301. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,930 to $4,987 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Buffalo to Durham typically runs between $3,439 and $6,820.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Durham
When moving from Buffalo to Durham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $707 and $1,708. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,337 to $2,463. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,650 up to $3,261. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Durham
Renting a moving truck in Buffalo is usually your cheapest option to get to Durham. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $486 and $899. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $561 and $1,068. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $654 and $1,294.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Buffalo to Durham
The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,599, but larger homes can run up to $5,959.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Buffalo.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($486–$1,199) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Durham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Durham runs about 8% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Buffalo.
Singles spend around $2,803 in Buffalo versus $2,589 in Buffalo; families pay $5,945 compared with $5,720.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Buffalo | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Durham, note that rent can be roughly 42% more expensive than it is in Buffalo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 84% higher in Durham than in Buffalo.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 9% higher in Durham compared to Buffalo, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person is 8% more than in Buffalo. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Durham and Buffalo, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Durham experiences an unemployment rate that is about 57% lower than that of Buffalo. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 14% lower in Durham than in Buffalo. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Durham can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 59% lower in North Carolina compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Buffalo with Durham:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Buffalo than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Buffalo than in Durham.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Durham
| Buffalo | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 38 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Durham’s population is within about 5% of Buffalo, so they’re very similar in size.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Buffalo’s score of 7.
- Durham is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 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 Buffalo, which has a score of 63.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 54.72 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 45.28 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo to Durham move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Durham smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Durham
Now that you’ve chosen City of The Viper as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Durham to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Durham is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Durham offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Buffalo to Durham?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Durham are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Durham?
Because spring and fall moves from Buffalo to Durham are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Buffalo to Durham take?
A move of 685 miles from Buffalo, NY to Durham, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Buffalo sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Durham is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Buffalo offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Buffalo have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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