($498+) Tampa, FL to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Tampa, FL, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $498 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,887 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 674 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,319, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,887 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,031 - $3,348, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $498 - $1,285.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tampa, FL, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,909 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 Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Tampa 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 $1,909 - $4,712. Containers cost roughly 29% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 674 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 674-mile route from Tampa to Durham, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,319 - $3,662 with full-service movers, $1,031 - $1,811 with a container, $498 - $949 with a rental truck, or $919 - $1,646 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,909 - $4,712 full-service, $1,348 - $2,533 by container, $500 - $1,030 by rental truck, or $1,048 - $2,086 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,522 - $6,887 full-service, $1,717 - $3,348 by container, $638 - $1,285 by rental truck, or $1,429 - $2,704 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 674-mile move from Tampa, Florida, to Durham, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $1,319 - $6,887. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $306 - $2,040. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tampa and Durham. Local movers in Tampa typically start around $266 as a base rate plus $84/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tampa to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,319 - $3,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,909 - $4,712
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,522 - $6,887
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 Tampa to Durham.
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 Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Tampa movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Durham, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $510 - $5,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage | $204 - $1,224/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $306 - $2,448 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,020 - $3,060 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,550 - $10,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $764 - $1,451 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Guys Moving | $1,020 - $2,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Golden Movers LLC | $816 - $3,570 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $306 - $1,530 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $663 - $2,040 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $306 - $15,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $306 - $3,570+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tampa 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tampa, FL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Tampa, Florida, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,031 and $3,348. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Tampa runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tampa to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,031 - $1,811
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,348 - $2,533
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,717 - $3,348
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $153 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $714 in Tampa, FL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Durham, NC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Florida 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 $1,031. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,348 - $2,533.
What are the best moving containers Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa:
- Strong College Students Moving (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
Truck rentals from Tampa, Florida, to Durham, North Carolina, range from $498 - $1,285 for the 674-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $219 - $250
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Tampa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.60 - $0.99
| 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 Tampa to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $498 - $949
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $500 - $1,030
- 4+ bedrooms: $638 - $1,285
Pro tip: The base rate of $498 - $1,285 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tampa to Durham. Fuel ($219 - $250), lodging at around $153/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tampa, Florida, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $714.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $219 - $250 for the 674-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $332, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $153 per night for hotel stops on the 674-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $306 - $459.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tampa 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 Tampa, FL to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tampa, Florida, to Durham, North Carolina, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,048 and $2,086.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tampa to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,048 - $2,086
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,704
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 Tampa, Florida, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $714.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $77 and $153 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Tampa to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Tampa to Durham, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Tampa, FL vs Durham, NC
Day-to-day costs in Durham are close to what you're used to in Tampa: cost of living index of 99 versus 104, with average rent of $1,699/mo compared to $1,930/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 51/100 and 53.85/100 in Tampa versus 30/100 and 45.28/100 in Durham.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Tampa, FL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Florida to North Carolina over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 885 movers in our Florida network to compare for this 674-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tampa, FL, 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 $1,319 - $6,887 on the 674-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,031 - $3,348 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $498 - $1,285 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,909 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 Tampa, FL, to Durham, NC
How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?
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).
What is the best time of year to move from Tampa, FL 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 53.85 and 46.15 in Tampa. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tampa, FL to Durham, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $500 - $1,030. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Tampa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Tampa handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.