Moving from Durham to Raleigh, NC
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Durham to Raleigh costs between $38 to $3,838 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 24-mile route within North Carolina take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Durham to Raleigh
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Durham to Raleigh are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Durham to driving and unloading in Raleigh, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 24 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $725 - $2,425 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $395 - $1,189 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $49 - $118 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $122/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Raleigh?
It costs between $38 to $3,838 to move from Durham to Raleigh. The prices below break down your 24-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $422 - $3,838
- Moving containers: $118 - $1,628
- Rental trucks: $38 - $157
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $422 - $1,282 | $118 - $847 | $38 - $95 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $725 - $2,425 | $395 - $1,189 | $49 - $118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,264 - $3,838 | $800 - $1,628 | $64 - $157 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $297 - $2,475+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $122/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $198 - $792 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $198 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Durham to Raleigh
At 24 miles, your Durham to Raleigh move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Durham to Raleigh. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout North Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 24 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Durham to Raleigh. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 93.2% of their 397 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Raleigh to Durham guide.
Considerations when moving from Durham to Raleigh
Cost of living: Durham vs. Raleigh
The cost of living in Durham vs. Raleigh isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Raleigh compares to what you’re used to in Durham.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Durham | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,699 | $1,670 |
| Average home cost | $355,053 | $378,862 |
| Average income (per capita) | $79,234 | $82,424 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,803 | $6,077 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,945 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 7.25% |
- Rent prices in Raleigh are similar to those in Durham, so you shouldn't see much change in your budget.
- Home prices in Raleigh are 7% higher than in Durham, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income is the same in Raleigh and Durham, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- Living costs for one person are 117% higher in Raleigh compared to Durham. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in Raleigh as it was in Durham, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Raleigh is the same as in Durham, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Raleigh and Durham, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Durham, you’ll need about $6,510 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Raleigh.
How life is different in Durham vs. Raleigh
Before you move, check out how life in Raleigh measures up to Durham. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Durham | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 467,665 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 51-48 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 90ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 4" |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 38.87 |
Raleigh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Raleigh has a population roughly 65% higher than Durham. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Durham and Raleigh supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both Raleigh and Durham have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Durham and Raleigh—with winter lows around 30°F and 30°F.
- Both Durham and Raleigh see similar yearly rainfall—Durham averages 46 inches, while Raleigh gets 46 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Durham and Raleigh, averaging 4 and 4 inches each year.
- Raleigh posts a lower crime rate than Durham, with a crime index of 38.87 compared to Durham’s 54.72.
Things to do in Raleigh
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Raleigh has plenty to offer:
Museums in Raleigh
- African American Cultural Complex
- Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh
- Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University
- Haywood Hall House & Gardens
- Marbles Kids Museum
Parks in Raleigh
- Pullen Park
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Yates Mill County Park
- JC Raulston Arboretum
- Neuse River Trail
Sports teams in Raleigh
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina FC (USL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)
Universities in Raleigh
- North Carolina State University
- Wake Technical Community College
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Montreat College's School of Professional and Adult Studies
- William Peace University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Durham to Raleigh?
Shipping furniture from Durham to Raleigh with a moving company typically costs between $313 and $1,077. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $725 to $2,425. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,264 and $3,838 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Durham to Raleigh?
If you’re planning a move from Durham to Raleigh and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $114 and $838. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $395 to $1,189. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $800 to $1,628.
How much is a moving truck from Durham to Raleigh?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $38 and $99. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $49 and $118. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Durham to Raleigh, truck rentals usually range from $64 up to $157.
How far in advance should I book Durham-to-Raleigh movers?
To make your move from Durham to Raleigh as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh?
The cheapest time of year to move to Raleigh is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
