($219+) Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $219 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,037 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 201 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $758, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,037 or more.
- Moving containers run $739 - $2,313, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $219 - $542.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,293 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Moving options from Virginia Beach to Durham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,293 - $3,543 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 27% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 81% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 201-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 201-mile route from Virginia Beach to Durham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $758 - $3,094 | $739 - $1,297 | $219 - $390 | $665 - $1,216 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,293 - $3,543 | $941 - $1,851 | $245 - $460 | $786 - $1,436 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,688 - $5,037 | $1,286 - $2,313 | $284 - $542 | $1,039 - $1,906 |
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 Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Hiring full-service movers from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $758 and $5,037. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 201-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $308 - $2,052, 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 Virginia Beach and Durham. For a rough baseline, movers based in Virginia Beach tend to start around $183 plus $97/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 Virginia Beach to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $758 - $3,094
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,293 - $3,543
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,688 - $5,037
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 Virginia Beach to Durham.
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 Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Virginia Beach 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 packing67% of local movers | $513 - $5,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $205 - $1,231/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,462 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,026 - $3,078 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,565 - $10,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $768 - $1,460 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items23% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $1,026 - $2,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $821 - $3,591 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $308 - $1,539 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $667 - $2,052 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,591+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Virginia Beach to Durham?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Virginia Beach, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Virginia Beach to Durham with a local mover averages $1,318 - $3,613. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Virginia Beach, VA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Virginia Beach, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.4% of which is positive.
Address: 500 Woodlake Dr, #105, Chesapeake, VA, 23320 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $739 and $2,313. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Virginia Beach costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Virginia Beach to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $739 - $1,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $941 - $1,851
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,286 - $2,313
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $154 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 $718 in Virginia Beach, VA, 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 Virginia 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 $739. 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 $941 - $1,851.
What are the best moving containers Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 12 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- Southside Moving and Storage (3.8/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Renting a moving truck for the 201-mile move from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $219 and $542, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $66 - $75
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Virginia Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Virginia Beach to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $219 - $390
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $245 - $460
- 4+ bedrooms: $284 - $542
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $219 - $542 when pricing out a rental truck from Virginia Beach to Durham. Fuel alone runs $66 - $75, and overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $154 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Virginia Beach, Virginia, usually costs about $718 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 201-mile drive falls between $66 and $75, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $51 and $308 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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 $923 and $1,436.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Virginia Beach to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $665 - $1,216
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $786 - $1,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,039 - $1,906
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 $77 - $154 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia, typically costs $718.
What are the best freight companies from Virginia Beach 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Virginia Beach to Durham. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Durham, NC
Virginia Beach and Durham land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 105 in Virginia Beach and 99 in Durham, and average rent is $1,950/mo vs. $1,699/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 33 vs 30 and safety scores are 58.0 vs 45.28.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to North Carolina, 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. Virginia alone has 304 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 201-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC, 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 $758 - $5,037 on the 201-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $739 - $2,313, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $219 - $542. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,293 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
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 Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($66 - $75), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $154/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Durham?
Durham has a walkability score of 30 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 38, compared to 33 and 42 in Virginia Beach. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $219 to $5,037, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $758 and $5,037, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Virginia Beach, VA 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.
What percentage of Virginia Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Virginia Beach handle piano moves, and 23% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.