Moving from Raleigh to Durham, NC
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Quick answer: Moving from Raleigh to Durham costs between $36 to $3,801 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 Raleigh to Durham
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Raleigh to Durham are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Raleigh to driving and unloading in Durham, 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 | $755 - $2,498 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $395 - $1,166 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $46 - $115 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Next Stop Movers | $93/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 Raleigh to Durham?
It costs between $36 to $3,801 to move from Raleigh to Durham. The prices below break down your 24-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $426 - $3,801
- Moving containers: $128 - $1,581
- Rental trucks: $36 - $155
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $426 - $1,308 | $128 - $822 | $36 - $102 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $755 - $2,498 | $395 - $1,166 | $46 - $115 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,190 - $3,801 | $832 - $1,581 | $60 - $155 |
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 | $318 - $2,650+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $93/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $212 - $848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $53 - $212 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Raleigh to Durham
At 24 miles, your Raleigh to Durham 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 Raleigh to Durham. 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 Raleigh to Durham. 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 Durham to Raleigh guide.
Considerations when moving from Raleigh to Durham
Cost of living: Raleigh vs. Durham
The cost of living in Raleigh vs. Durham 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 Durham compares to what you’re used to in Raleigh.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Raleigh | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,670 | $1,699 |
| Average home cost | $378,862 | $355,053 |
| Average income (per capita) | $82,424 | $79,234 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,077 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.25% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Durham are similar to those in Raleigh, so you shouldn't see much change in your budget.
- Home prices in Durham are 6% lower than in Raleigh. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income is the same in Durham and Raleigh, so your earning potential should remain steady, which can make financial planning more predictable.
- The cost of living for a single person in Durham is 54% lower than in Raleigh, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in Durham as it was in Raleigh, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Durham is the same as in Raleigh, so you can expect a comparable job market and similar employment opportunities when you move.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Durham and Raleigh, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Raleigh, you’ll need about $1,380 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Durham.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Durham
Before you move, check out how life in Durham measures up to Raleigh. 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.
| Raleigh | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 283,506 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 51-48 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 30ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 4" |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 54.72 |
Durham sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Durham has roughly 39% fewer people than Raleigh. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Raleigh and Durham supported the Republican candidate.
- You’ll find that both Durham and Raleigh 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 Raleigh and Durham—with winter lows around 30°F and 30°F.
- Both Raleigh and Durham see similar yearly rainfall—Raleigh averages 46 inches, while Durham gets 46 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Raleigh and Durham, averaging 4 and 4 inches each year.
- Durham shows a higher crime rate than Raleigh, with index scores of 54.72 compared to 38.87.
Things to do in Durham
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Durham has plenty to offer:
Museums in Durham
- Museum of Life + Science
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- Museum of Durham History
- V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection
- Golden Belt
Parks in Durham
- West Point on the Eno
- RollingView Falls Lake State Park
- Durham Central Park
- Historic Durham Athletic Park
- Forest Hills Park
Sports teams in Durham
- Duke University (ACC)
- Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)
Universities in Durham
- Duke University
- North Carolina Central University
- Durham Technical Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Raleigh to Durham?
Shipping furniture from Raleigh to Durham with a moving company typically costs between $316 and $1,132. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $755 to $2,498. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,190 and $3,801 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Raleigh to Durham?
If you’re planning a move from Raleigh to Durham and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $122 and $758. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $395 to $1,166. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $832 to $1,581.
How much is a moving truck from Raleigh to Durham?
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 $40 and $100. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $46 and $115. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Raleigh to Durham, truck rentals usually range from $60 up to $155.
How far in advance should I book Raleigh-to-Durham movers?
To make your move from Raleigh to Durham 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 Durham?
The cheapest time of year to move to Durham 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.
