Quick answer: Expect to pay $382–$5,344 for a move from Knoxville to Durham, with most moves taking one to four days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 349 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Durham to Knoxville guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
There are 8 interstate moving companies in Knoxville, so figuring out which one is best for your move from Knoxville, TN, to Durham, NC, can feel overwhelming. You’ll also need to decide whether to hire professional full-service movers or take a more DIY approach.
Not to worry — we’ve made the process easier for you. We compared each mover by key factors like service options and cost, and analyzed customer feedback in online reviews. Using our research, we have narrowed the list of Knoxville companies to only the best long-distance movers in Knoxville, no matter what type of move you’re planning.
Professional
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Container
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Rental truck
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Knoxville to Durham
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Knoxville to Durham far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Knoxville?
How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to NC move
The best local movers servicing Knoxville to Durham moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Knoxville that offers long-distance services to Durham can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Knoxville who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Knoxville to Durham.
- Gouffon Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Carey Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 137
DOT #: 553340
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 117
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Knoxville to Durham?
Knoxville movers charge $113 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 | $1,061 - $3,447 | $724 - $1,699 | $371 - $662 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,863 - $5,344 | $1,212 - $2,453 | $382 - $800 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,101 - $7,280 | $1,669 - $3,026 | $509 - $1,005 |
Cost to hire movers from Tennessee to North Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tennessee to North Carolina will cost between $1,061 and $3,447. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from TN to NC will range from $1,863 to $5,344, and a large move from Tennessee to North Carolina will cost from $3,101 to $7,280.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to North Carolina
Moving containers from Tennessee to North Carolina will cost you $724 to $1,699 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,212 to $2,453. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,669 to $3,026. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to North Carolina
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $371 and $662. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $382 and $800. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $509 up to $1,005 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Knoxville to Durham
What to know before moving from Knoxville to Durham
Expect higher day-to-day spending in Durham than in Knoxville — roughly 28% more for singles and 14% more for families.
Monthly basics come to $2,803 for singles and $5,945 for families in Durham, versus $2,184 and $5,200 in Knoxville.
See the detailed comparison below to budget accordingly:
- Rent prices in Durham are 5% lower than in Knoxville, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Durham are 11.9% higher than in Knoxville, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Durham, where incomes are, on average, 549.1% higher than in Knoxville. Major employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 28.3% higher than in Knoxville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you'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 14.3% higher than in Knoxville.
- The unemployment rate in Durham is 12.77% lower than in Knoxville.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the city's sales taxes in Durham are 18.92% lower than in Knoxville.
- State income taxes in Durham are 4.50% higher than in Knoxville.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Knoxville and Durham:
Knoxville | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $215.94 | $148.21 |
Cell phone plan | $54 | $51.67 |
Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $4.53 |
Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $3.66 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $15 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85 | $70 |
Gym membership | $34.67 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Knoxville than in Durham.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Knoxville than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Knoxville than in Durham.
- Bread costs less in Knoxville than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Knoxville than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Knoxville than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Knoxville than in Durham.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Durham
Durham | Knoxville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 283,506 | 190,740 |
Transportation Score | 4 | 4 |
Walkability score | 30 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 38 | 30 |
Crime Index | 54.72 | 42.54 |
Safety Index | 45.28 | 57.46 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Durham's population is about 49% greater than Knoxville.
- Durham's public transportation has a similar score to Knoxville.
- Durham and Knoxville are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 38 out of 100, Durham is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Durham's crime rate is higher than Knoxville with a score of 54.72 compared to Knoxville's 42.54. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Knoxville with a score of 45.28 vs Knoxville's 57.46.
- Air quality in Durham is good, and in Knoxville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Durham Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Durham
Now that you've decided to make the move to City of The Viper, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- 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: 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 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: 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 Knoxville to Durham?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Knoxville to Durham. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Knoxville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Durham?
Because spring and fall moves from Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Durham take?
The 349-mile journey from Knoxville, TN to Durham, NC, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Knoxville offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Durham.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Knoxville?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
How many movers in Knoxville can handle specialty items for my move to Durham?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Knoxville, 6 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TN, there are 45 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2176 and 1401 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.