Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to Massachusetts

The cost of Durham movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Durham, NC, to Massachusetts

If youโ€™re moving to Massachusetts from Durham, NC, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Durham vs. Massachusetts

Durham, NC Massachusetts
Average rent cost $1,699 $1,588
Average home cost $391,719 $623,131
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $96,505
Unemployment rate 4.1% 3.9%
State income tax 4.5% 9.0%
  • Rent is about 10% less expensive in Massachusetts than in Durham.
  • Home prices are about 70.4% higher in Massachusetts than in Durham.
  • The average income is about 452.9% lower in Massachusetts than in Durham.
  • Massachusetts has a lower unemployment rate than Durham by about 5.4%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% higher in Massachusetts than in Durham.

How life is different in Durham, NC, from Massachusetts

Durham, NC Massachusetts
Population 283,506 7,001,399
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Democratic 61.5-36.3
Summer high 89ยบF 82ยบF
Winter low 30ยบF 16ยบF
Annual rain 46" 49"
Annual snow 4" 47"
Crime index 54.72 13.92
  • The population of Massachusetts is approximately 2,370% greater than the population of Durham.
  • In the last presidential election, Massachusetts voted Democratic and Durham voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Massachusetts is 82ยบ F and in Durham, itโ€™s 89ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Massachusetts reaches the temperature of 16ยบ F and Durham gets down to 30ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 49 inches of annual rainfall in Massachusetts vs. 46 inches of rainfall in Durham.
  • In Massachusetts, it snows about 47 inches annually vs. 4 inches of snow in Durham.

Comparing the pros of Durham, NC, vs. Massachusetts:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Durham vs Massachusetts side-by-side.

Pros of living in Durham, NC Pros of living in Massachusetts
Low cost of living Natural beauty
Quality education Excellent education system
Wonderful restaurants Delicious seafood
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational opportunities
Friendly people Home to Boston

Comparing the cons of living in Durham, NC, vs. Massachusetts:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Durham for Massachusetts.

Cons of living in Durham, NC Cons of living in Massachusetts
Terrible traffic Bad traffic
High crime rate Poor driving conditions
Humidity Harsh winter weather
Allergy-inducing pollen High cost of living
Limited public transportation Peculiar liquor laws

Other considerations when moving to Massachusetts from Durham

  • Weather: Most of Massachusetts has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Far southeast coastal areas are the broad transition zone to Humid Subtropical climates. The warm to hot summers render the oceanic climate rare in this transition, only applying to exposed coastal areas such as on the peninsula of Barnstable County. The climate of Boston is quite representative for the commonwealth, characterized by summer highs of around 81 ยฐF (27 ยฐC) and winter highs of 35 ยฐF (2 ยฐC), and is quite wet. Frosts are frequent all winter, even in coastal areas due to prevailing inland winds. Due to its location near the Atlantic, Massachusetts is vulnerable to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tropical storms..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ€“ Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Massachusetts. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Massachusetts

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Massachusetts.

Museums in Massachusettstoggle

  • The House of the Seven Gables
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Plimoth Patuxet
  • Whaling Museum
  • John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum
  • Hammond Castle Museum
  • Springfield Museums
  • Worcester Art Museum
  • Harvard Museum of Natural History
  • Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
  • Peabody Essex Museum
  • Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Heritage Museums & Gardens
  • Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
  • The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

Parks in Massachusettstoggle

  • Stage Fort Park and Beach
  • Salem Witch Trials Memorial
  • Forest Park
  • Cornelia Carey Sanctuary (The Knob)
  • Veterans Memorial Park
  • Boston Public Garden
  • Taunton Green
  • Prospect Hill Park
  • Hemlock Gorge Reservation
  • Nelson Memorial Park
  • Pilgrim Memorial State Park
  • Pond Meadow Park
  • Lynch Park
  • Mary Cummings Park
  • Masconomo Park

Sports Teams in Massachusettstoggle

  • Boston Red Sox (MLB)
  • Boston Bruins (NHL)
  • Boston Celtics (NBA)
  • New England Patriots (NFL)
  • New England Revolution (MLS)

Universities in Massachusettstoggle

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Harvard University
  • Boston University
  • Tufts University
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • Northeastern University
  • Boston College
  • Brandeis University
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Williams College
  • University of Massachusetts Boston
  • Amherst College
  • Clark University
  • University of Massachusetts

FAQs

How long does a move from Durham to Massachusetts take?

The time it takes to move from Durham, NC, to Massachusetts depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Durham to Massachusetts?

Need to get your car from Durham to Massachusetts? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Durham to Massachusetts car shippers.

Why are people moving from Durham to Massachusetts?

Many people are moving to Massachusetts because of its natural beauty and excellent education system. On the other hand, people are moving away from Durham because of the terrible traffic and high crime rate.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Durham?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Durham.

Helpful moving resources