Houston, TX to Durham, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Durham typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,175 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Houston to Durham
Moving from Houston, TX to Durham, NC typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,175-mile move from Houston to Durham, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,045 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,930 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $7,204 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 16, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 13, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 10, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Houston to Durham
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Houston to Durham might be as low as $2,500, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,300.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Houston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $900 to $2,400 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Durham, NC to Houston, TX guide.
Best Houston to Durham movers by type
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Local
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Best professional movers from Houston to Durham
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Houston to Durham, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best TX→NC movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 291 Texas movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Houston to Durham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Durham runs about 1% higher for singles and -17% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $2,803 in Durham versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $5,945 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 10% higher in Durham than in Houston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 48% higher in Durham than in Houston.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Durham and Houston, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Durham and Houston, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to Durham could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 17% lower than in Houston.
- There's little difference in the unemployment rates of Durham and Houston, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Durham than Houston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- North Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Houston and Durham, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Houston | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Durham.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Durham.
How life is different in Houston vs. Durham
| Houston | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 38 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham's population is about 88% less than Houston.
- Durham's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Houston's score of 5.
- Durham is less walkable than Houston with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Houston, which has a score of 49.
- Durham's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 54.72 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Durham is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 45.28 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Houston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Durham move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Durham without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Durham
Ready to relocate to City of The Viper? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, it's the perfect time to explore Durham. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Durham include museums and art centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Durham?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Durham. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Durham?
With many people choosing to move from Houston to Durham in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Houston to Durham take?
Covering 1,175 miles, the move from Houston, TX to Durham, NC typically takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Durham can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Houston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Houston can handle specialty items for my move to Durham?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Houston, 27 movers can handle pianos. 15 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
