($355+) Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

Moving from Durham, NC, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $366 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,712 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 398 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $971, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,712 or more.
  • Moving containers run $850 - $2,904, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $366 - $955.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Durham, NC, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,666 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

Moving options from Durham to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,666 - $4,387 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 398 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 398-mile route from Durham to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:

  • A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $971 - $3,316 with full-service movers, $850 - $1,669 with a container, $366 - $627 with a rental truck, or $845 - $1,459 by freight.
  • A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,666 - $4,387 full-service, $1,178 - $2,255 by container, $360 - $751 by rental truck, or $888 - $1,665 by freight.
  • A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,750 - $6,712 full-service, $1,547 - $2,904 by container, $495 - $955 by rental truck, or $1,237 - $2,256 by freight.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 27, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

Hiring full-service movers from Durham, North Carolina, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $971 and $6,712. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 398-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $303 - $2,020, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Durham and Philadelphia. For a rough baseline, movers based in Durham tend to start around $240 plus $122/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Durham to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $971 - $3,316
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,666 - $4,387
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,750 - $6,712

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 Durham to Philadelphia.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

Don't see your company listed?

Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

Specialty needs vary by market — 59% of Durham movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 61% nationally. In Philadelphia, 55% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing75% of local movers$505 - $5,050
Storage in transitNew place not ready59% of local movers61% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation$202 - $1,212/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$303 - $2,424
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers$1,010 - $3,030
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,525 - $10,100
Car shippingSecond vehicle$756 - $1,437
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation$1,010 - $2,525
PianoAny piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Truckin' Movers Corporation$808 - $3,535
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers$303 - $1,515
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Athens Moving Experts$657 - $2,020
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$303 - $15,150+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$303 - $3,535+

What are the best full-service movers from Durham to Philadelphia?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

How much do local movers cost in Durham, NC?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Durham to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,682 - $4,430. A local mover in Durham, NC is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.

Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.

Flex Moving & Storage (4.36/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Durham, based on our analysis of feedback from 398 customers, 93.0% of which is positive.

Address: 4417 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC, 27705 | Founded: 2023

Moving container costs from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

Moving containers from Durham, North Carolina, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $850 and $2,904. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Philadelphia. If you go over that window, storage in Durham adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Durham to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $850 - $1,669
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,178 - $2,255
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,547 - $2,904

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $76 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $152 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 $707 in Durham, NC, 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 Philadelphia, PA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Carolina to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

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 $850. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,178 - $2,255, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Durham to Philadelphia?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Durham 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 Durham:

  • Athens Moving Experts (4.9/5), 9 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 28 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.1/5), 15 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 398 miles from Durham, North Carolina, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, running $366 - $955. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $128 - $146
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Durham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Durham to Philadelphia based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $366 - $627
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $360 - $751
  • 4+ bedrooms: $495 - $955

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $366 - $955 when pricing out a rental truck from Durham to Philadelphia. Fuel alone runs ($128 - $146) , and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $128 - $146 for the 398-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 Durham, North Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $707.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 398-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $303 - $455 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $303.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Durham to Philadelphia?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Durham, North Carolina, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $909 and $1,665.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Durham to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $845 - $1,459
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $888 - $1,665
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,256

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $76 - $152 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Durham, North Carolina, typically costs $707.

What are the best freight companies from Durham to Philadelphia?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Darrell Andrews Trucking, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Durham to Philadelphia, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Durham, NC vs Philadelphia, PA

Good news for your budget: Philadelphia isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Durham. Cost of living index runs 104 there against 99 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 30/100 and 45.28/100 here versus 75/100 and 33.91/100 there.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 255 movers in North Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 398-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
Comparing movers helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average compared to booking blind.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Booking a moveBuddha Certified mover unlocks dedicated support throughout your move.
✓
Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, we help resolve it with Certified movers.

Our take

For a move from Durham, NC, to Philadelphia, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $971 for a studio to $6,712 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 398-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $850 - $2,904. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $366 - $955, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,666 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.

FAQs: Moving from Durham, NC, to Philadelphia, PA

How much does it cost to move from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA?

Costs on this route range from around $971 to $6,712, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $971 and $6,712, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

How walkable is Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 30 and 38 in Durham. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($128 - $146), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.

What is the best time of year to move from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What percentage of Durham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 49% of movers in Durham handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.