Durham, NC to Memphis, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Durham to Memphis typically costs $2,300–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 737 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Durham to Memphis
Moving from Durham, NC to Memphis, TN typically costs $2,300–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 737-mile move from Durham to Memphis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,714 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $7,006 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,764 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 22, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 04, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Durham to Memphis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,700, but larger homes can run up to $8,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Durham.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($600–$1,700) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Memphis, TN to Durham, NC guide.
Best Durham to Memphis movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Durham to Memphis
For a stress-free interstate move from Durham to Memphis, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NC→TN movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 115 North Carolina moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Durham to Memphis
Many movers find Memphis easier on the wallet than Durham - roughly 34% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,842 for one person in Memphis versus $2,803 in Durham. For a family of four, it's $4,402 compared with $5,945.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Durham | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 24% lower in Memphis than in Durham, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 63% lower in Memphis than in Durham.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 30% less in Memphis than in Durham.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Memphis, where the cost of living for a single person is 34% less than in Durham.
- Moving to Memphis could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 26% less than in Durham.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 95% higher compared to Durham, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 30% higher in Memphis than in Durham. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Durham with Memphis:
| Living Expense | Durham | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Durham than in Memphis.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Durham than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Durham than in Memphis.
How life is different in Durham vs. Memphis
| Durham | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 41 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 123% greater than Durham.
- Memphis's public transportation score is within about 5% of Durham, making them very similar.
- Memphis is more walkable than Durham with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Memphis is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Durham with a score of 77.49 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Durham with a score of 22.51 vs Durham's 45.28.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Durham it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Memphis move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Memphis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you've chosen Bluff City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Memphis to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it's time to see what Memphis is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Memphis offers cultural landmarks like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Memphis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Durham to Memphis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Durham are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Memphis?
Because spring and fall moves from Durham to Memphis are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Durham to Memphis take?
A move of 737 miles from Durham, NC to Memphis, TN generally takes one to six days. Movers in Durham sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Memphis is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Durham offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 18 movers in Durham have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 7 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
