Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Durham to Virginia Beach typically costs $1,500–$4,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 201 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Durham to Virginia Beach
Moving from Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA typically costs $1,500–$4,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 201-mile move from Durham to Virginia Beach, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,776 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $1,642 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,628 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Durham to Virginia Beach
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Durham to Virginia Beach might be as low as $900, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,400.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Durham.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $300 to $700 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC guide.
Best Durham to Virginia Beach movers by type
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Best professional movers from Durham to Virginia Beach
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Durham to Virginia Beach, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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
How we chose the best NC→VA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 115 North Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Durham to Virginia Beach
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Virginia Beach runs about 62% higher for singles and -1% higher for families than Durham.
Singles spend around $4,533 in Virginia Beach versus $2,803 in Durham; families pay $5,910 compared with $5,945.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Durham | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,875 | $1,776 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,573 | $3,233 |
| Average home value | $391,719 | $402,391 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,117 | $81,810 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,803 | $4,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,945 | $5,910 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 5.75% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 15% higher in Virginia Beach than in Durham, which may impact your monthly finances.
- The home prices in Virginia Beach and Durham differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 18% higher in Virginia Beach than in Durham, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Virginia Beach, as the cost of living for a single person in Virginia Beach is 62% greater than in Durham. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Virginia Beach and Durham, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Virginia Beach exceeds that of Durham by about 17%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 20% lower in Virginia Beach than Durham, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 28% higher in Virginia than in North Carolina. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Durham and Virginia Beach, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Durham | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $173.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $48.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $3.66 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $2.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Virginia Beach, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Durham than in Virginia Beach.
- Eggs cost more in Durham than in Virginia Beach.
- Bread is more expensive in Durham than in Virginia Beach.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Virginia Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Durham than in Virginia Beach.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Durham than in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Durham vs. Virginia Beach
| Durham | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 283,506 | 457,672 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 38 | 42 |
| Crime index | 54.72 | 42.0 |
| Safety index | 45.28 | 58.0 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Virginia Beach's population is about 61% greater than Durham.
- Virginia Beach's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Durham's score of 4.
- Virginia Beach is more walkable than Durham with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, Virginia Beach 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.
- Virginia Beach's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 42.0 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
- Virginia Beach is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 58.0 vs Durham's 45.28.
- Air quality in Virginia Beach is Good, and in Durham it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Durham to Virginia Beach move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Virginia moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Virginia, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Virginia Beach without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Virginia Beach
Ready to relocate to Neptune City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Virginia Beach.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Hilltop
- Alanton
- Great Neck
- Kempsville
- Bayside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Great Neck
- Red Mill
- Kempsville
- Ocean Lakes
- Alanton
Things to do in Virginia Beach
Now that you've made the move to Virginia, it's the perfect time to explore Virginia Beach. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Virginia Beach include museums and art centers like the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and Ferry Plantation House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Neptune's Park, Mount Trashmore Park, Bayville Farms Park, and Great Neck Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Durham to Virginia Beach?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Durham to Virginia Beach. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Durham.
When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Virginia Beach?
With many people choosing to move from Durham to Virginia Beach in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Durham to Virginia Beach take?
Covering 201 miles, the move from Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA typically takes one to two days. Some Durham movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Virginia Beach can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Durham can handle specialty items for my move to Virginia Beach?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Durham, 18 movers can handle pianos. 7 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NC, there are 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.