($1,492) Movers From Austin, TX to Durham, NC

What to know before moving from Austin to Durham

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

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

• Rent prices in Durham are 4% lower than in Austin, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Durham.
  Home prices in Durham are 23.0% lower than in Austin.
• Income in Durham is 480.6% higher than in Austin, 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 16.2% lower than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Durham is 23.9% lower than in Austin.
• The unemployment rate in Durham is 17.14% higher than in Austin.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the city’s sales taxes in Durham are 9.09% lower than in Austin.
• State income taxes in Durham are 4.50% higher than in Austin.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,513.90 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.

How life is different in Austin vs. Durham

• Durham's population is about 71% less than Austin.
• Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Austin's higher score of 5.
• Durham is less walkable than Austin with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 out of 100.
• Durham has a bike-friendliness score 38 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100.
• Durham's crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 54.72 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
• Durham is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 45.28 vs Austin's 59.87.
• Air quality in Durham is good, and in Austin it's good.

Other things to consider for your Austin 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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 “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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit 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: 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.

Helpful moving resources