($1,607) Movers From Portland, ME to Durham, NC

What to know before moving from Portland to Durham

Moving from Portland to Durham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Durham is generally more expensive than Portland, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Durham are 15% lower than in Portland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Durham.
  Home prices in Durham are 27.7% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Durham is 517.6% higher than in Portland, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 12.5% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Durham is 1.9% lower than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Durham is 21.15% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the city’s sales taxes in Durham are 36.36% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.41% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,375.75 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Durham

• Durham's population is about 314% greater than Portland.
• Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 6.
• Durham is less walkable than Portland with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 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 Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100.
• Durham's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 54.72 compared to Portland's 32.16. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• Durham is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 45.28 vs Portland's 67.84.
• Air quality in Durham is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Durham move

• 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.

Where to live in Durham

Ready to relocate to "City of The Viper"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Durham.

Helpful moving resources