($1,148) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Durham, NC

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Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Durham

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Durham, you can expect to spend between $1,148 and $3,802. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,214 to $5,365 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Durham typically runs between $3,675 and $7,586.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Durham

When moving from Chicago to Durham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $790 and $1,863. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,355 to $2,637. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,908 up to $3,507. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Durham

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Durham. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $516 and $1,024. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $576 and $1,179. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $757 and $1,549.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 17% lower in Durham than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 32% higher in Durham than in Chicago.
• The average income in Durham and Chicago is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Durham, where the cost of living for a single person is 23% less than in Chicago.
• Moving to Durham could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Chicago.
• Durham experiences an unemployment rate that is about 54% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 27% lower in Durham than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Durham can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 9% lower in North Carolina compared to Illinois. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Durham’s population is about 90% less than Chicago.
• Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Durham is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Durham’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 54.72 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Durham is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 45.28 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Durham smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Durham is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Durham offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.