San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Durham typically costs $4,600–$9,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,828 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Durham
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC typically costs $4,600–$9,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,828-mile move from San Francisco 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
- PODS recently quoted $6,229 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,149 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $9,600 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 28, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 13, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Durham might be as low as $3,000, while a four-bedroom could reach $13,700.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Francisco.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,800 to $5,100 — 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 San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Durham movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Durham
When it comes to handling your interstate move from San Francisco 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 CA→NC movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California 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 San Francisco to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 26% less for singles and 32% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $5,945 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Durham from San Francisco, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 48% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 68% cheaper in Durham, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 49% lower in Durham than in San Francisco.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Durham. The cost of living for a single person is 26% less compared to San Francisco.
- 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 32% lower than in San Francisco.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 24% lower than San Francisco, Durham boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Durham than San Francisco, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 66% lower in North Carolina than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Francisco and Durham, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Durham.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Durham.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Durham.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Durham
| San Francisco | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 38 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Durham's population is about 65% less than San Francisco.
- Durham's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Durham is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 30 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 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 Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Durham's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 54.72 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Durham is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 45.28 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Durham?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Francisco to Durham. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Durham?
With many people choosing to move from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Durham take?
Covering 2,828 miles, the move from San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC typically takes seven to 21 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Durham can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Francisco offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in San Francisco offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in San Francisco can handle specialty items for my move to Durham?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Francisco, 70 movers can handle pianos. 63 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 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.
