($819+) Durham, NC to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Durham, NC, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $819 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,009 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,313 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $1,965, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,009 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,229 - $4,687, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $819 - $2,225.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,675 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 Austin, TX
Moving options from Durham to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,675 - $6,199 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 67% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,313 miles, this route usually takes 3 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,313-mile route from Durham to Austin, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,965 - $4,692, container $1,229 - $2,312, rental truck $819 - $1,502, freight trailer $1,198 - $2,168.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,675 - $6,199, container $1,584 - $3,360, rental truck $876 - $1,879, freight trailer $1,334 - $2,688.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,659 - $8,009, container $2,353 - $4,687, rental truck $1,091 - $2,225, freight trailer $1,774 - $3,642.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Durham, NC to Austin, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,313-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,965 - $8,009. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $333 - $2,220. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Durham and Austin. Local movers in Durham typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $122/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,965 - $4,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,675 - $6,199
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,659 - $8,009
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 Austin.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $555 - $5,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $222 - $1,332/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $333 - $2,664 |
| 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 | $1,110 - $3,330 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,775 - $11,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $831 - $1,580 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $1,110 - $2,775 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation | $888 - $3,885 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $333 - $1,665 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts | $722 - $2,220 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $333 - $16,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $333 - $3,885+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Austin?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Durham, NC, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,229 and $4,687. 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 Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,229 - $2,312
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,584 - $3,360
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,353 - $4,687
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $83 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $167 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 $777 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 Austin, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,229. 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 $1,584 - $3,360.
What are the best moving containers Durham to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
A rental truck for this 1,313-mile move from Durham, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas, costs between $819 and $2,225. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $464 - $530
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $819 - $1,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $876 - $1,879
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,225
Pro tip: The base rate of $819 - $2,225 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Durham to Austin. Fuel ($464 - $530), lodging at around $167/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Durham, North Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $777.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $464 - $530 for the 1,313-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $67 and $361, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $167 per night for hotel stops on the 1,313-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $333 - $500.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Durham, North Carolina, to Austin, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,334 and $2,688.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,198 - $2,168
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,334 - $2,688
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,774 - $3,642
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $83 and $167.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Durham, North Carolina, for roughly five hours typically average $777.
What are the best freight companies from Durham to Austin?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Austin fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Durham, NC vs Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Durham on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Durham, NC | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 99 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,699/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $355,053 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $79,234/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.5% | None |
| Walkability score | 30/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 45.28/100 | 59.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Austin, TX to Durham, NC guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Carolina to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. North Carolina alone has 255 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,313-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Durham, NC, to Austin, TX, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,965 for a studio to $8,009 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,313-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,229 - $4,687. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $819 - $2,225, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,675 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Austin, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($464 - $530), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $167/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Durham, NC to Austin, TX take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 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 is the best time of year to move from Durham, NC to Austin, TX?
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. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Durham, NC to Austin, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Austin a safe place to live?
Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, compared to 45.28 and 54.72 in Durham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.