($794+) San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $794 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,657 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,370 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 $2,186, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,657 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,315 - $4,417, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $794 - $2,435.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from San Antonio, TX, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,915 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 San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC
Moving options from San Antonio to Durham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,915 - $6,786 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 70% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,370-mile route typically takes 3 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,370-mile route from San Antonio to Durham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,186 - $5,008 | $1,315 - $2,502 | $794 - $1,582 | $1,207 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,915 - $6,786 | $1,679 - $3,287 | $876 - $1,976 | $1,343 - $2,711 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,115 - $8,657 | $2,372 - $4,417 | $1,137 - $2,435 | $1,916 - $3,643 |
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 San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC
Hiring full-service movers from San Antonio, Texas, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $2,186 and $8,657. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,370-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $283 - $1,884, 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 San Antonio and Durham. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Antonio tend to start around $192 plus $96/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 San Antonio to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,186 - $5,008
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,915 - $6,786
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,115 - $8,657
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 San Antonio to Durham.
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 San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of San Antonio movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Durham, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing85% of local movers | $471 - $4,710 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $188 - $1,130/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,261 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $942 - $2,826 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,355 - $9,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $706 - $1,340 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Evolution Moving Company | $942 - $2,355 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $754 - $3,297 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling18% of local movers | $283 - $1,413 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationally | $612 - $1,884 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,130+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,297+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Antonio to Durham?
North Carolina Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in North Carolina, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Antonio, TX. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC
Moving containers from San Antonio, Texas, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,315 and $4,417. 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 San Antonio typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,315 - $2,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,679 - $3,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,372 - $4,417
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $141 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 $659 in San Antonio, TX, 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 Durham, NC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to North Carolina 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 $1,315. 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 $1,679 - $3,287.
What are the best moving containers San Antonio to Durham?
- 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC
Renting a moving truck for the 1,370-mile move from San Antonio, Texas, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $794 and $2,435, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $411 - $469
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- San Antonio daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| 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 San Antonio to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $794 - $1,582
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $876 - $1,976
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,137 - $2,435
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Antonio to Durham starts at $794 - $2,435, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($411 - $469), overnight lodging ($141/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $411 - $469 for the 1,370-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in San Antonio, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $659.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,370-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $141 per night, adding $283 - $424 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $283.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Antonio to Durham?
- 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 San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Antonio, Texas, to Durham, North Carolina. 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 $848 and $2,711.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,207 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,343 - $2,711
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,643
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $71 - $141 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Antonio, Texas, typically costs $659.
What are the best freight companies from San Antonio to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Durham quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: San Antonio, TX vs Durham, NC
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between San Antonio and Durham to plan around. Cost of living index: 91 vs. 99. Average rent: $1,496/mo vs. $1,699/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 37 vs. 30. Safety index: 51.94 vs. 45.28.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to San Antonio, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to North Carolina, 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 803 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,370-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,370-mile route from San Antonio, TX, to Durham, NC, run $2,186 - $8,657 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,315 - $4,417, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $794 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,915, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.
FAQs: Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Durham, NC
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Antonio, TX to Durham, NC?
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 Durham a safe place to live?
Durham has a safety index of 45.28 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.72, compared to 51.94 and 48.06 in San Antonio. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Durham?
Durham has a walkability score of 30 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 38, compared to 37 and 45 in San Antonio. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Durham?
For families, Treyburn, American Village/Arrowhead, and Willowhaven are worth a look in Durham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Golden Belt, Warehouse District, and City Center tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
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).
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.