($1,319) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Durham, NC

1. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Durham

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Durham typically costs between $1,319 and $5,506. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,016 and $7,744 when moving from San Francisco to Durham. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Francisco to Durham, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,332 up to $11,752.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Durham

If you’re relocating from San Francisco to Durham, you’ll typically spend between $1,480 and $3,654 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,500 up to $5,227. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,485 and $7,418. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Durham

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Francisco to Durham move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,516 and $2,970. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,709 to $3,502. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,140 and $4,606.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.