Moving from Houston, TX to Durham, NC: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Houston, TX to Durham, NC averages from $840 to $6,401 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Durham, NC. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Durham to Houston guide.

• Best Houston to Durham movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Houston to Durham.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Houston to Durham car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 1,177 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Houston to Durham?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,177 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Houston to Durham will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best Houston to Durham Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Houston to Durham?

To ship furniture from Houston to Durham with a mover will cost between $1,227 to $4,942. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,723 to $6,401, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Houston to Durham will cost from $4,605 to $8,626.

How much are moving container companies from Houston to Durham?

Moving containers from Houston to Durham will cost you $926 to $2,264 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,658 to $3,323. A larger home will cost $2,243 to $4,398.

How much is a moving truck from Houston to Durham?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $777 to $1,481. A larger move will cost $840 to $1,761, and a 4+ bedroom move from Houston to Durham costs from $1,056 to $2,146.

How to ship a car from Houston to Durham?

If you're moving from Houston to Durham and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Houston to Durham car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from Houston, TX to Durham, NC a good idea?

Cost of Living: Houston vs Durham

• Rent Prices in Durham, NC are 7% lower than in Houston, TX.
• Home Prices in Durham, NC are 52.0% higher than in Houston, TX.
• Income in Durham, NC is 1.4% lower than in Houston, TX.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Durham, NC is 10.7% higher than in Houston, TX.
• Cost of Living for a family in Durham, NC is 13.3% higher than in Houston, TX.
• Unemployment rate in Durham, NC is 14.58% lower than in Houston, TX.
• Sales Taxes in Durham, NC are 9.09% lower than in Houston, TX.
• State Income Taxes in Durham, NC are 5.25% higher than in Houston, TX.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,677.8 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How is life different in Houston, TX to Durham, NC?

• Durham’s population is about 88% less than Houston.
• Durham’s public transportation is better than Houston with a score of 4 vs 5.
• Durham is less walkable than Houston with a score of 30 vs 47.
• Durham is less bike-friendly than Houston with a score of 38 vs 49.
• Durham's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 47.6 compared to 55.87.
• Durham is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 45.44 vs 36.23.
• Air Quality in Durham is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Durham, NC

• 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Durham. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Houston Movers

Visit our Best Movers in Houston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Durham, NC

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of The Viper", these are the best neighborhoods in Durham to move to.

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

What to do in Durham

Moving to The “City of The Viper”? These are some of the best things to do in your new North Carolina home.

• Sarah P. Duke Gardens
• Museum of Life + Science
• Duke University
• Duke University Chapel
• Durham Bulls Athletic Park
• Cameron Indoor Stadium
• DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
• Duke Lemur Center
• Eno River State Park
• American Tobacco Historic District
• Bennett Place Historic Site
• Streets at Southpoint
• Carolina Theatre
• Duke Homestead
• Wallace Wade Stadium

Get your sports on!

• Duke University (ACC)
• Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

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• New York City to Durham
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• Phoenix to Durham
• Philadelphia to Durham
• San Diego to Durham
• San Jose to Durham
• Jacksonville to Durham
• Columbus to Durham
• Indianapolis to Durham

Learn more about Durham

• What Is The Cost To Move In Durham?
• What Is The Cost To Move To North Carolina?
• Tips on Moving to Durham, NC: Relocation Guide
• Best Moving Companies in Durham, NC
• Best Moving Companies in North Carolina