($375+) Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $402 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,037 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 402 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 $1,095, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,037 or more.
  • Moving containers run $919 - $2,972, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $402 - $950.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,778 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

Moving options from Philadelphia to Durham fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,778 - $4,724 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 402-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 402-mile route from Philadelphia to Durham, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,095 - $3,827 $919 - $1,756 $402 - $738 $879 - $1,459
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,778 - $4,724 $1,263 - $2,373 $391 - $792 $972 - $1,825
4+ bedrooms $3,110 - $7,037 $1,658 - $2,972 $506 - $950 $1,326 - $2,259

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 11, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $1,095 and $7,037. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 402-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $306 - $2,040, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Philadelphia and Durham. For a rough baseline, movers based in Philadelphia tend to start around $282 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $3,827
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,778 - $4,724
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,110 - $7,037

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 Philadelphia to Durham.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Add-ons and specialty services from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

Service When you need it Typical cost (Philadelphia to Durham)
Full packingYou want the crew to box everything$510 - $5,100
Storage in transitYour new place is not ready on arrival$204 - $1,224/mo
Shuttle feeA full-size truck cannot reach the door$306 - $2,448
Full-value protectionCoverage beyond the default $0.60/lb$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesShipments under about 2,000 lbs$1,020 - $3,060
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,550 - $10,200
Car shippingMoving a second vehicle$764 - $1,451
Antiques & fine artClimate control and white-glove handling$1,020 - $2,550
PianoUpright, baby grand, or grand$816 - $3,570
Pool tableDisassembly and professional re-leveling$306 - $1,530
Hot tub500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect$663 - $2,040
Wine collectionClimate-controlled, vibration-safe transport$306 - $15,300+
Pet relocationGround, air, or VIP concierge$306 - $3,570+
Basic utilitiesOngoing monthly cost in Durham$148/mo
InternetOngoing monthly cost in Durham$73/mo
Cell phone planOngoing monthly cost in Durham$52/mo

What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Durham?

All three below meet the standards set by the North Carolina Movers Association, the group most North Carolina movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Durham with a local mover averages $1,725 - $4,583. A local mover in Philadelphia, PA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.

Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.

Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.

Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020

Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $919 and $2,972. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Philadelphia runs about $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $919 - $1,756
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,263 - $2,373
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,658 - $2,972

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $77 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $153 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $714 in Philadelphia, PA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Durham, NC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania 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 $919. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,263 - $2,373, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Durham?

  1. PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
  2. Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
  3. 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.

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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:

  • Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
  • Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
  • Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

A rental truck for this 402-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Durham, North Carolina, costs between $402 and $950. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $130 - $149
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Durham based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $402 - $738
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $391 - $792
  • 4+ bedrooms: $506 - $950

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $402 - $950 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Durham. Fuel alone runs ($130 - $149) , and overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $130 - $149 for the 402-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours typically costs around $714.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 402-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $306 - $459 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $306.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Durham?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best value rental on this route. Lower base rates than competitors, plus stackable discounts for AAA, military, and online bookings, make Budget the most cost-conscious choice.
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is most reliable on this list. Their fleet is one of the newest in the industry, and Penske bundles unlimited mileage on one-way moves with 24/7 roadside assistance at no extra charge.
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is our pick for best availability. With 23,000+ locations across North America and 7 truck size options, U-Haul has the broadest network and the most reservation flexibility of any truck rental company.

Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Durham, North Carolina. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $918 and $1,825.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Durham:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $879 - $1,459
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $972 - $1,825
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,326 - $2,259

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $714.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $153 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Durham?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Durham, NC

There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Philadelphia and Durham to plan around. Cost of living index: 104 vs. 99. Average rent: $1,695/mo vs. $1,699/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 75 vs. 30. Safety index: 33.91 vs. 45.28.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 796 real quotes from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 106 movers in our Pennsylvania network to compare for this 402-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 402-mile route from Philadelphia, PA, to Durham, NC, run $1,095 - $7,037 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $919 - $2,972, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $402 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,778, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

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 Philadelphia, PA, to Durham, NC

What is the best time of year to move from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. North Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How do I know a mover is licensed in North Carolina?

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).

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($130 - $149), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Durham?

Durham has a walkability score of 30 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 38, compared to 75 and 67 in Philadelphia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC?

Costs on this route range from around $1,095 to $7,037, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,095 and $7,037, 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.