Top Chicago, IL to Durham, NC Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Durham to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to North Carolina

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to North Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,466 and $4,662. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,884 to $6,924 for the trip from IL to NC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $4,601 and $9,977.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to North Carolina

Moving from Illinois to North Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $962 and $2,264. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,731 to $3,235. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,321 up to $4,393. 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 Illinois to North Carolina

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $653 and $1,296. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $721 and $1,600. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $921 up to $1,885 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent prices in Durham are 17% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Durham are 32.5% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Durham, where incomes are, on average, 453.7% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Durham. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23.2% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Durham can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 35.8% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Durham is 54.44% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the city's sales taxes in Durham are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 9.09% lower than in Chicago.

• Durham's population is about 90% less than Chicago.
• Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher 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 38 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• 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.

• Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: North Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Durham. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Warehouse District
• City Center
• 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: Durham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, and Golden Belt.
• 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.