Factors influencing moving costs from Chattanooga to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Chattanooga movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chattanooga to Durham can be as low as $1,359 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,911.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chattanooga, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $464 to $1,089. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Durham

Moving from Chattanooga to Durham means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chattanooga than in Durham, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chattanooga compares to Durham so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chattanooga Durham
Average rent cost $1,475 $1,699
Average home value $302,565 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $60,164 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $3,300 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,350 $5,945
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.1%
Sales tax 9.25% 7.5%
State income tax 0.0% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 15% higher than in Chattanooga, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chattanooga.
    Home prices in Durham are 29.5% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • Income in Durham is 558.7% higher than in Chattanooga, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Durham is 15.1% lower than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Durham, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Durham is 36.7% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 26.79% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 18.92% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • State income taxes in Durham are 4.50% higher than in Chattanooga.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,548.18 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Durham

Durham Chattanooga
Population 283,506 181,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 30 29
Bike friendliness score 38 35
Crime Index 54.72 53.89
Safety Index 45.28 46.11
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 57% greater than Chattanooga.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's lower score of 3.
  • Durham and Chattanooga are similarily walkable.
  • Both Durham and Chattanooga have the same bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, meaning Durham is about as safe for cyclists as Chattanooga. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Durham and Chattanooga have a similar crime rate.
  • Durham and Chattanooga are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chattanooga vs. Durham move

  • Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While North Carolina doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • 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 Durham without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Durham

With your sights set on "City of The Viper", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Durham.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • 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 settling into your new North Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Durham has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, and Golden Belt.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Durham?

The best time to move from Chattanooga to Durham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chattanooga.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Durham?

Because most people are moving from Chattanooga to Durham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chattanooga to Durham take?

The 459-mile move from Chattanooga, TN, to Durham, NC, takes one to four days. Some Chattanooga movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.

Helpful moving resources