($520+) Durham, NC to Tampa, FL Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Tampa, FL, runs anywhere from $520 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,201 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 675 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,349, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,201 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,002 - $3,195, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $520 - $1,347.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Tampa, FL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,038 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to Tampa: 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 $2,038 - $5,267. Containers cost roughly 38% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 73% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 675 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 675-mile route from Durham to Tampa, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,349 - $3,722 | $1,002 - $1,741 | $520 - $890 | $883 - $1,700 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,038 - $5,267 | $1,259 - $2,539 | $545 - $1,123 | $987 - $2,092 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,705 - $7,201 | $1,755 - $3,195 | $681 - $1,347 | $1,403 - $2,768 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL
Hiring full-service movers from Durham, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, costs between $1,349 and $7,201. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 675-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $303 - $2,020, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Durham and Tampa. For a rough baseline, movers based in Durham tend to start around $240 plus $122/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,349 - $3,722
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,038 - $5,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,705 - $7,201
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 Durham to Tampa.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tampa, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type51% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Tampa?
All three below meet the standards set by the Professional Movers Association of Florida, the group most Florida movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Durham, NC. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida, cost between $1,002 and $3,195. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Durham typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,002 - $1,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,195
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $152 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $707 in Durham, NC, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tampa, FL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Florida 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 $1,002. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,259 - $2,539.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Tampa?
- 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 Durham 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 Durham:
- Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL
Plan on $520 - $1,347 for a rental moving truck on the 675-mile route from Durham, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $217 - $248
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| 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 Durham to Tampa based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $520 - $890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $545 - $1,123
- 4+ bedrooms: $681 - $1,347
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $520 - $1,347 does not include fuel ($217 - $248), lodging ($152/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Durham to Tampa typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $76 and $354.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $152.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $217 and $248 for the 675-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $707 for 2 movers in Durham, North Carolina, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Tampa?
- 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 Durham, NC to Tampa, FL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, to Tampa, Florida. 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 $909 and $2,092.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Tampa:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $883 - $1,700
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $2,092
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,403 - $2,768
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $76 - $152 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $707.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Tampa?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Durham to Tampa, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Durham, NC vs Tampa, FL
Durham and Tampa land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 99 in Durham and 104 in Tampa, and average rent is $1,699/mo vs. $1,930/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 30 vs 51 and safety scores are 45.28 vs 53.85.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tampa, FL to Durham, NC guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Florida, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 313 movers licensed in North Carolina, useful context for sizing up this 675-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Durham, NC, to Tampa, FL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,349 - $7,201 on the 675-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,002 - $3,195 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $520 - $1,347 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,038 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bloomin' Brands and Sykes Enterprises.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Tampa, FL
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($217 - $248), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL?
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 $545 - $1,123. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL?
Costs on this route range from around $520 to $7,201, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,349 and $7,201, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 51% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.