($1,201+) Billings, MT to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $1,201 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,075 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,013 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,947, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $13,075 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,655 - $5,830, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,201 - $3,086.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,031 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 Billings, MT to Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Billings to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $4,031 - $8,852. Moving containers run about 50% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 68% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 6 to 17 days for this 2,013-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,013-mile route from Billings to Durham, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,947 for a studio up to $13,075 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,655 - $5,830 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,201 - $3,086, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,447 - $4,573, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Billings, MT to Durham, NC
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,013-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Durham, North Carolina, with prices running from $2,947 - $13,075. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $290 - $1,932 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Billings and Durham are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Billings movers tend to run around $259 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,947 - $6,482
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,031 - $8,852
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,182 - $13,075
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 Billings to Durham.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings 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 packing50% of local movers | $483 - $4,830 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $193 - $1,159/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $290 - $2,318 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $966 - $2,898 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,415 - $9,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $724 - $1,375 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $966 - $2,415 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $773 - $3,381 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $290 - $1,449 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $628 - $1,932 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $290 - $14,490+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $290 - $3,381+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Durham?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Billings, MT, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $1,655 and $5,830. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Billings costs roughly $55/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,655 - $2,993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,018 - $4,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,933 - $5,830
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $72 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $145 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 $676 in Billings, MT, 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.
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 $1,655. 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 $2,018 - $4,069.
What are the best moving containers Billings 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 Billings 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 Billings:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Durham, NC
Truck rentals from Billings, Montana, to Durham, North Carolina, range from $1,201 - $3,086 for the 2,013-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $619 - $707
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Billings daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.89
| 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 Billings to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,201 - $2,316
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,288 - $2,704
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,086
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Billings to Durham starts at $1,201 - $3,086, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($619 - $707), overnight lodging ($145/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $619 - $707 for the 2,013-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $676.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,013-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $145 per night, adding $290 - $435 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $290.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings 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 Billings, MT to Durham, NC
For larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Durham, North Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,550 and $3,423.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,447 - $2,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,423
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,279 - $4,573
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $72 - $145 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Billings, Montana, for about five hours typically runs $676.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Durham quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Durham, NC
Day-to-day costs in Durham are close to what you're used to in Billings: cost of living index of 99 versus 95, with average rent of $1,699/mo compared to $1,300/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 35/100 and 50.37/100 in Billings versus 30/100 and 45.28/100 in Durham.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Billings, MT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 1 real quote from Montana to North Carolina, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 25 movers licensed in Montana, useful context for sizing up this 2,013-mile move.
Our take
A move from Billings, MT, to Durham, NC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,947 - $13,075 on the 2,013-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,655 - $5,830, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,201 - $3,086. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $4,031 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Billings, MT, to Durham, NC
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Durham, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Durham?
For families, Treyburn, American Village/Arrowhead, and Willowhaven are worth a look in Durham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Golden Belt, Warehouse District, and City Center tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT 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 $1,288 - $2,704. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 50.37 and 48.63 in Billings. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 41% nationally.