Durham to Winston-Salem Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Durham to Winston-Salem, NC (~79 miles) typically costs $71 - $3,611, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Local movers such as TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 273 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $122/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Durham
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Durham to Winston-Salem?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Durham to Winston-Salem are regulated by North Carolina law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid North Carolina intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by North Carolina companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) as the top local pick, followed by Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Durham to Winston-Salem moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 117+ North Carolina movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Durham to Winston-Salem?
Moving from Durham to Winston-Salem costs between $71 and $3,611*, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The breakdown below shows what each moving service typically runs, depending on your home size:
- Full-service movers: $492 - $3,611
- Moving containers: $545 - $1,633
- Rental trucks: $71 - $143
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the heavy lifting to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving and either do the heavy lifting yourself or hire moving labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $492 - $2,554 | $545 - $963 | $71 - $122 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $947 - $2,999 | $743 - $1,411 | $86 - $147 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,407 - $3,611 | $893 - $1,633 | $96 - $143 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 117+ North Carolina moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Durham, NC movers.
How Durham to Winston-Salem moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $122 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,462.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 25% of Durham movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 21% of Durham movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Athens Moving Experts |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Durham to Winston-Salem
Moving from Durham to Winston-Salem is a job for local and regional North Carolina movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 273 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Durham to Winston-Salem
Local movers operating within North Carolina know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5 stars): 78.0% positive customer ratings.
- Truckin' Movers Corporation (4.5/5 stars): 92.8% positive customer ratings.
- Bellhop Moving (4.42/5 stars): 53.1% positive customer ratings.
- TROSA Moving (4.38/5 stars): 84.5% positive customer ratings.
- Athens Moving Experts (4.58/5 stars): 93.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 28 movers in Durham, drawing on 6,888 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Durham to Winston-Salem
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Durham, NC
Durham residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More North Carolina moving resources
How does Winston-Salem compare to Durham?
Cost of living: Durham vs. Winston-Salem
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Durham | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,699 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $355,053 | $208,184 |
| Average income (per capita) | $79,234 | $57,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,803 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,945 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| Average sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Durham and Winston-Salem comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 117+ North Carolina moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Winston-Salem are 23% lower than in Durham. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Winston-Salem are 41% lower than Durham. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Winston-Salem is 27% lower than Durham. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Winston-Salem is 14% lower than Durham. The savings typically free up 14% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Winston-Salem is 11% lower than Durham. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Winston-Salem runs 27% higher than Durham. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Winston-Salem are 7% lower than Durham. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,580 in Winston-Salem to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Durham.
How life is different in Durham vs. Winston-Salem
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Winston-Salem might look different from Durham in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Durham | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 249,545 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 45" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 6" |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 32.67 |
Did you know: Summer moves in North Carolina can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 31% of movers in North Carolina, vs 33% nationally).
- Winston-Salem is 12% smaller in size than Durham. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Durham and Winston-Salem voted Republican.
- Summer highs in Winston-Salem (88°F) match Durham (89°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Durham (30°F) and Winston-Salem (28°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Durham (46 inches) and Winston-Salem (45 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Durham (4 inches) and Winston-Salem (6 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Winston-Salem (32.67) is lower than Durham (54.72). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Winston-Salem
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens
- Frank L Horton Museum Center
- Kaleideum Downtown
- Kaleideum North
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Parks in Winston-Salem
- REYNOLDA ESTATE
- SALEM LAKE
- QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE
- POLO PARK
- HATHAWAY PARK
Sports teams in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)
- Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)
- Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)
- Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)
- Wake Forest (NCAA)
Universities in Winston-Salem
- Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem State University
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- Salem College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
Final verdict: Durham to Winston-Salem movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide North Carolina service. For smaller moves, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5) is the top local choice, with 78.0% positive reviews across 273 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $71 - $3,611, based on our analysis of 117+ North Carolina movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Durham to Winston-Salem
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Durham to Winston-Salem?
A full-service move from Durham to Winston-Salem costs $445 - $1,989 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $947 - $2,999, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,407 - $3,611.
How far in advance should I book Durham-to-Winston-Salem movers?
Book your Durham to Winston-Salem movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How long does a move from Durham to Winston-Salem take?
Most moves from Durham to Winston-Salem take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
Do movers in North Carolina offer storage?
78% of movers in North Carolina offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 85% nationally.
How much is a moving truck from Durham to Winston-Salem?
A rental truck from Durham to Winston-Salem costs $72 - $121 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $86 - $147 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $96 - $143 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
