Arlington, VA to Durham, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Durham typically costs $1,600–$4,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 255 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Durham
Moving from Arlington, VA to Durham, NC typically costs $1,600–$4,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 255-mile move from Arlington to Durham, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $558 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,206 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,658 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 18, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Arlington to Durham
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Arlington to Durham may only cost $1,000, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Arlington.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($300–$900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Durham, NC to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Durham movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Durham
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Arlington to Durham. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 VA→NC movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 103 Virginia moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 59% less for singles and 50% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $5,945 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 37% less expensive in Durham than in Arlington, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 52% cheaper in Durham than in Arlington.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 46% less in Durham than in Arlington.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Durham. The cost of living for a single person there is 59% below that of Arlington.
- A move to Durham can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 50% lower compared to Arlington.
- Durham and Arlington have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won't see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you're used to.
- Sales taxes in Durham surpass those in Arlington by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 22% less in North Carolina compared to Virginia, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Arlington versus Durham:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Arlington than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Arlington than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Arlington than in Durham.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Durham.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Durham
| Arlington | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 38 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham's population is about 19% greater than Arlington.
- Durham's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Durham is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 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 Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Durham's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 54.72 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 45.28 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to Durham move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Durham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Durham
With your sights set on City of The Viper, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Durham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts 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: The city's West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Durham?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Arlington to Durham. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Durham?
Want to save on your move from Arlington to Durham? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Arlington to Durham take?
The 255-mile move from Arlington, VA, to Durham, NC, takes one to four days. Some Arlington movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.
What kinds of discounts do Arlington movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 7 movers offer special pricing for military members. 14 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Arlington?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 57 movers in Arlington provide piano moving services. 44 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
