($1,329+) Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $1,316 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,682 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,152 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,534, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,682 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,774 - $6,096, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,316 - $3,453.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,610 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 Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Tempe to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,610 - $7,585. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 2,152 miles, expect 6 to 17 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,152-mile route from Tempe to Durham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,534 - $6,061 | $1,774 - $3,180 | $1,316 - $2,616 | $1,643 - $3,041 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,610 - $7,585 | $2,205 - $4,647 | $1,438 - $3,026 | $1,710 - $3,755 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,183 - $11,682 | $3,057 - $6,096 | $1,764 - $3,453 | $2,544 - $5,280 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,152-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Durham, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $2,534 - $11,682. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $322 - $2,148. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tempe and Durham. Local movers in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,534 - $6,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,610 - $7,585
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,183 - $11,682
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 Tempe to Durham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $537 - $5,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $215 - $1,289/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $322 - $2,578 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,074 - $3,222 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,685 - $10,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $804 - $1,528 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,074 - $2,685 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $859 - $3,759 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $322 - $1,611 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $698 - $2,148 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $322 - $16,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $322 - $3,759+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Durham?
All three below meet the standards set by the North Carolina Movers Association, the group most North Carolina movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Tempe, AZ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,774 and $6,096. 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 Tempe costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,774 - $3,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,205 - $4,647
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,057 - $6,096
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tempe, AZ and Durham, NC. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $752 in Tempe, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $81 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $161 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,774. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,205 - $4,647, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,152 miles from Tempe, Arizona, to Durham, North Carolina, running $1,316 - $3,453. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $735 - $840
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $21
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,316 - $2,616
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,438 - $3,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,764 - $3,453
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,316 - $3,453 does not include fuel ($735 - $840) , lodging ($161/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Tempe to Durham typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $161 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $70 and $349 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $735 - $840 in fuel for the 2,152-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $752 in Tempe, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC
If you're moving a larger household from Tempe, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Durham, North Carolina.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,710 and $3,755.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,643 - $3,041
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,755
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,544 - $5,280
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Tempe, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $752.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $161 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe 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.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Durham 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: Tempe, AZ vs Durham, NC
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Tempe and Durham to plan around. Cost of living index: 113 vs. 99. Average rent: $1,834/mo vs. $1,699/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 54 vs. 30. Safety index: 57.64 vs. 45.28.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona 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 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 2,152-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tempe, AZ, to Durham, NC, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,534 - $11,682 on the 2,152-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,774 - $6,096 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,316 - $3,453 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,610 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Tempe, AZ, to Durham, NC
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 Tempe, AZ to Durham, NC?
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. North Carolina 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 Tempe, AZ 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 57.64 and 42.36 in Tempe. 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 54 and 75 in Tempe. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
