($402+) Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $402 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,994 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 485 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 $1,093, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,994 or more.
- Moving containers run $898 - $2,791, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $402 - $1,029.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,927 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC
Moving options from Jersey City to Durham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,927 - $4,830 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 78% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 485 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 485-mile route from Jersey City to Durham, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,093 - $3,659 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($898 - $1,592), rental truck ($402 - $698), or freight trailer ($808 - $1,433). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,927 - $4,830 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,994.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 485-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina, with costs ranging from $1,093 - $6,994. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $371 - $2,472. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Jersey City and Durham. Local movers in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate plus $139/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,093 - $3,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,927 - $4,830
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,241 - $6,994
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 Jersey City to Durham.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Durham, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $618 - $6,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $247 - $1,483/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $371 - $2,966 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,236 - $3,708 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,090 - $12,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $926 - $1,759 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,236 - $3,090 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $989 - $4,326 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $371 - $1,854 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $803 - $2,472 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $371 - $18,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $371 - $4,326+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Durham?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in North Carolina Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Jersey City, NJ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Jersey City to Durham with a local mover averages $1,965 - $4,926. Working with a local mover based in Jersey City, NJ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Roadway Moving (4.72/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Jersey City, based on our analysis of feedback from 5,014 customers, 97.1% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 10022 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $898 and $2,791. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Jersey City typically runs around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $898 - $1,592
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,139 - $2,380
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,594 - $2,791
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $865 in Jersey City, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $93 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $185 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Durham, NC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to North Carolina 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 $898. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,139 - $2,380.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Durham?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 485 miles from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina, running $402 - $1,029. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $191 - $218
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Jersey City to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $402 - $698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $424 - $889
- 4+ bedrooms: $549 - $1,029
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $402 - $1,029 when pricing out a rental truck from Jersey City to Durham. Fuel alone runs $191 - $218, and overnight lodging ($185/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $93 and $433.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $185.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $191 and $218 for the 485-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $865 for 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Durham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Durham, North Carolina. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $912 and $1,757.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $808 - $1,433
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $912 - $1,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,237 - $2,373
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $93 and $185.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly five hours typically average $865.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Durham?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Jersey City to Durham, 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: Jersey City, NJ vs Durham, NC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Durham, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 99 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $1,699/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $355,053 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $79,234/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 4.5% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 30/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 45.28/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to North Carolina in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 315 movers based in New Jersey, handy for sizing up options on this 485-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Durham, NC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,093 for a studio to $6,994 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 485-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $898 - $2,791. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $402 - $1,029, 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 $1,927 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Durham tend to point to low cost of living and quality education, though terrible traffic and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System and IBM.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Durham, NC
What do local movers charge in Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC?
Costs on this route range from around $402 to $6,994, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,093 and $6,994, 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Jersey City, NJ to Durham, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $424 - $889. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($191 - $218), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $185/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.