Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Top-rated local movers that handle Durham to Dayton moves
When planning a move from Durham to Dayton, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 27 local movers in Durham 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 Durham to Dayton.
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Dayton?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 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 | $1,047 – $3,065 | $664 – $1,500 | $382 – $698 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,911 – $4,591 | $1,139 – $2,334 | $441 – $915 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,275 – $7,068 | $1,530 – $3,055 | $506 – $1,018 |
Cost to hire movers from Durham to Dayton
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Durham to Dayton, you can expect to spend between $1,047 and $3,065. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,911 to $4,591 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Durham to Dayton typically runs between $3,275 and $7,068.
Cost of moving containers from Durham to Dayton
When moving from Durham to Dayton, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $664 and $1,500. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,139 to $2,334. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,530 up to $3,055. 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 North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Durham to Dayton
Renting a moving truck in Durham is usually your cheapest option to get to Dayton. 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 $382 and $698. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $441 and $915. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $506 and $1,018.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Durham to Dayton
The cost of Durham movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,467, but larger homes can run up to $6,345.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Durham.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($382–$1,003) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Durham to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Durham – roughly 43% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 46% lower in Dayton than in Durham, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 65% lower in Dayton than in Durham.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 9% less in Dayton than in Durham.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Dayton, where the cost of living for a single person is 43% less than in Durham.
- Moving to Dayton could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Durham.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 66% higher compared to Durham, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Dayton and Durham (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 22% lower in Ohio compared to North Carolina. 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 Durham with Dayton:
| Living Expense | Durham | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Durham than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Dayton.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Durham than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Durham than in Dayton.
How life is different in Durham vs. Dayton
| Durham | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 47 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 51% less than Durham.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Durham’s score of 4.
- Dayton is more walkable than Durham with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Durham’s 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Dayton is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 4.0 compared to Durham’s 54.72. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Durham with a score of 40.68 vs Durham’s 45.28.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Durham it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Dayton 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio 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 Dayton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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 Dayton
Now that you’ve chosen Gem City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Dayton to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Dayton 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, Dayton offers cultural landmarks like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — 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 Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Dayton?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Durham to Dayton are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Durham are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Dayton?
Because spring and fall moves from Durham to Dayton 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 Durham to Dayton take?
A move of 484 miles from Durham, NC to Dayton, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Durham sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Dayton is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Durham offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Durham have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 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.
Helpful moving resources
Durham moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
- North Carolina to Ohio car shippers
- North Carolina to California movers
- North Carolina to Florida movers
- North Carolina to Georgia movers
- North Carolina to Illinois movers
- North Carolina to Michigan movers
- North Carolina to New York movers
- North Carolina to Ohio movers
- North Carolina to Pennsylvania movers
- North Carolina to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
