Top-rated local movers that handle New York City to Durham moves
When planning a move from New York City to Durham, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 165 local movers in New York City who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from New York City to Durham.
- NYC Great Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Imperial Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Alpha Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 39493
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2180117
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 32647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1422485
Alternate Names: Lion’s Den Enterprises Inc. , Imperial Self Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2047066
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 2047066
Alternate Names: Alpha Movers , Alpha Relocation Services , Alpha Transportation, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 648262
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 648262
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from New York City to Durham?
Movers in New York charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,021 – $2,599 | $651 – $1,547 | $394 – $735 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,704 – $4,485 | $1,198 – $2,265 | $411 – $880 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,164 – $7,028 | $1,546 – $2,879 | $522 – $1,060 |
Cost to hire movers from New York City to Durham
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York City to Durham, you can expect to spend between $1,021 and $2,599. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,704 to $4,485 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New York City to Durham typically runs between $3,164 and $7,028.
Cost of moving containers from New York City to Durham
When moving from New York City to Durham, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $651 and $1,547. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,198 to $2,265. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,546 up to $2,879. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York City to Durham
Renting a moving truck in New York City is usually your cheapest option to get to Durham. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $394 and $735. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $411 and $880. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $522 and $1,060.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from New York City to Durham
The cost of New York City movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,309, but larger homes can run up to $5,892.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in New York City.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($394–$946) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from New York City to Durham
Many movers find Durham easier on the wallet than New York City – roughly 51% less for singles and 61% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,803 for one person in Durham versus $5,683 in New York City. For a family of four, it’s $5,945 compared with $15,081.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| New York City | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,992 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $8,817 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,683 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $15,081 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 61% lower in Durham than in New York City, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 48% lower in Durham than in New York City.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 11% less in Durham than in New York City.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Durham, where the cost of living for a single person is 51% less than in New York City.
- Moving to Durham 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 61% less than in New York City.
- Durham experiences an unemployment rate that is about 63% lower than that of New York City. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Durham than in New York City. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Durham can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 59% lower in North Carolina compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing New York City with Durham:
| Living Expense | New York City | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $186.67 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.90 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.33 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.04 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $28.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $159.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in New York City than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in New York City than in Durham.
- Eggs cost more in New York City than in Durham.
- Bread is more expensive in New York City than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New York City than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New York City than in Durham.
- Gym memberships cost more in New York City than in Durham.
How life is different in New York City vs. Durham
| New York City | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 38 |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 49.17 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 97% less than New York City.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than New York City’s score of 10.
- Durham is less walkable than New York City with a score of 30 out of 100 vs New York City’s 88 out of 100.
- Durham has a bike-friendliness score of 38 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as New York City, which has a score of 69.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than New York City with a score of 54.72 compared to New York City’s 50.83. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 45.28 vs New York City’s 49.17.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in New York City it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your New York City to Durham 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina 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 Durham smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Durham
Now that you’ve chosen City of The Viper as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Durham to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Durham 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, Durham offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — 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 Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New York City to Durham?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New York City to Durham are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New York City are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Durham?
Because spring and fall moves from New York City to Durham 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 New York City to Durham take?
A move of 489 miles from New York City, NY to Durham, generally takes one to four days. Movers in New York City sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Durham is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in New York City?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In New York City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 9 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in New York City offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 146 movers in New York City have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 117 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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