($1,355+) Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Tempe, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,290 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,770 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,153 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,410, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,770 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,669 - $6,536, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,290 - $3,562.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Tempe, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,535 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 Tempe, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Durham to Tempe: 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 $3,535 - $7,139. 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 2,153 miles, expect 6 to 17 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 2,153-mile route from Durham to Tempe, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,410 for a studio up to $10,770 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,669 - $6,536 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,290 - $3,562, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,580 - $4,877, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ
For the 2,153-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Tempe, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $2,410 and $10,770. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,092 (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 Durham generally start around $240 plus $122 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,410 - $5,433
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,535 - $7,139
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,309 - $10,770
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 Tempe.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Arizona. 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.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tempe, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type64% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Tempe?
All three below meet the standards set by the Arizona Moving Association, the group most Arizona 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Durham, NC. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Tempe, Arizona, cost between $1,669 and $6,536. 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 Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,669 - $3,213
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,183 - $4,787
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,211 - $6,536
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Durham, NC and Tempe, AZ. 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 $732 in Durham, NC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $157 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 North Carolina to Arizona 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 $1,669. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,183 - $4,787, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Tempe?
- 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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
- Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.9/5), 49 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,153 miles from Durham, North Carolina, to Tempe, Arizona, running $1,290 - $3,562. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $717 - $819
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Tempe based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,290 - $2,541
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $3,055
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,852 - $3,562
Pro tip: A rental truck from Durham to Tempe looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,290 - $3,562. But once you factor in fuel ($717 - $819) , overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $157 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $68 and $340 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $717 - $819 in fuel for the 2,153-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $732 in Durham, North Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Tempe?
- 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 Tempe, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, to Tempe, Arizona. 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 $941 and $3,867.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Tempe:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,580 - $2,952
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,800 - $3,867
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,371 - $4,877
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Durham, North Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $732.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Tempe?
- 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.
- Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Durham to Tempe, 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 Tempe, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Durham and Tempe to plan around. Cost of living index: 99 vs. 113. Average rent: $1,699/mo vs. $1,834/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 30 vs. 54. Safety index: 45.28 vs. 57.64.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina to Arizona, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 117 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 2,153-mile move.
Our take
A move from Durham, NC, to Tempe, AZ, 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 $2,410 - $10,770 on the 2,153-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,669 - $6,536, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,290 - $3,562. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,535 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amkor Technology, Inc. and Benchmark Electronics.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Tempe, AZ
What is the best time of year to move from Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 ($717 - $819), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $157/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ?
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 $1,327 - $3,055. 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 Tempe, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $2,410 to $10,770, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,410 and $10,770, 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 percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 64% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
