Highly rated local moving companies for San Diego to Durham moves
Organizing a move from San Diego to Durham can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 29 local movers in San Diego known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from San Diego to Durham.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery , The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Durham?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,214 – $5,229 | $1,306 – $3,181 | $1,458 – $2,795 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,714 – $7,359 | $2,365 – $4,965 | $1,579 – $3,264 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,256 – $11,507 | $3,287 – $6,553 | $1,861 – $3,807 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Durham
When planning a move to Durham from San Diego, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,214 and $5,229. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,714 and $7,359 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,256 to $11,507.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Durham
When you’re heading from San Diego to Durham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,306 and $3,181. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,365 and $4,965. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,287 to $6,553. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Durham
A moving rental truck from San Diego to Durham is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,458 to $2,795. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,579 to $3,264, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Diego to Durham costs around $1,861 to $3,807.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from San Diego to Durham
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Diego to Durham may only cost $2,738, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,240.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Diego.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,458–$3,509), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than San Diego – roughly 16% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it’s $5,945 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Diego | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 41% less expensive in Durham than in San Diego, 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 61% cheaper in Durham than in San Diego.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Durham and San Diego are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- 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 16% below that of San Diego.
- 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 23% lower compared to San Diego.
- Durham has a lower unemployment rate than San Diego by about 38%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Durham and San Diego (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 66% less in North Carolina compared to California, 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 San Diego versus Durham:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Durham.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Durham.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Durham.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Durham
| San Diego | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 38 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 80% less than San Diego.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than San Diego’s score of 6.
- Durham is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 30 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 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 San Diego, which has a score of 43.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 54.72 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 45.28 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Durham move
- HOA rules: Costs across San Diego and Durham are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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 San Diego to Durham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Diego to Durham. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Durham?
Want to save on your move from San Diego 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 San Diego to Durham take?
The 2,522-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Durham, , takes seven to 21 days. Some San Diego 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 San Diego movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Diego, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Diego?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 21 movers in San Diego provide piano moving services. 16 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
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