($247+) Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC Movers
Moving from Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC, runs anywhere from $244 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,238 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 201 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $820, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,238 or more.
- Moving containers run $841 - $2,502, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $244 - $598.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,303 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
There are 3 main ways to move from Virginia Beach to Durham: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,303 - $3,914. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 201 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 201-mile route from Virginia Beach to Durham, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $820 - $3,411 | $841 - $1,476 | $244 - $430 | $772 - $1,354 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,303 - $3,914 | $1,051 - $1,904 | $267 - $488 | $883 - $1,507 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,863 - $5,238 | $1,350 - $2,502 | $305 - $598 | $1,058 - $2,020 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
For the 201-mile move from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, full-service movers cost between $820 and $5,238. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $308 - $2,052 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Virginia Beach generally start around $183 plus $97 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Virginia Beach to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $820 - $3,411
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,303 - $3,914
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,863 - $5,238
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 Virginia Beach to Durham.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia 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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Virginia Beach movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Durham, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $513 - $5,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $205 - $1,231/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,462 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage45% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,026 - $3,078 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,565 - $10,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $768 - $1,460 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Atlantic Beach Movers | $1,026 - $2,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type85% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $821 - $3,591 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $308 - $1,539 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: | $667 - $2,052 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,591+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Virginia Beach to Durham?
Movers licensed to operate in North Carolina are typically members of the North Carolina Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Virginia Beach, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Virginia Beach to Durham with a local mover averages $1,264 - $3,797. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Virginia Beach, VA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.56/5 stars) is a local mover in Virginia Beach, based on our analysis of feedback from 258 customers, 79.8% of which is positive.
Address: 4007 Seaboard Ct #7, Portsmouth, VA, 23701 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Moving containers from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, cost between $841 and $2,502. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Virginia Beach typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Virginia Beach to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $841 - $1,476
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,051 - $1,904
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,502
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $718 in Virginia Beach, VA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $77 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $154 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Durham, NC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $841. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,051 - $1,904, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Virginia Beach to Durham?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 12 years in business
- Atlantic Beach Movers (4.7/5), 20 years in business
- A Friendly & Affordable Mover (4.8/5), 28 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 201 miles from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Durham, North Carolina, running $244 - $598. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $66 - $75
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Virginia Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Virginia Beach to Durham based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $244 - $430
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $267 - $488
- 4+ bedrooms: $305 - $598
Pro tip: The base rate of $244 - $598 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Virginia Beach to Durham. Fuel ($66 - $75) , lodging at around $154/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $718.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $66 - $75 for the 201-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $333, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $154 per night for hotel stops on the 201-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $308 - $462.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Virginia Beach to Durham?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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 $923 and $1,507.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Virginia Beach to Durham:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $772 - $1,354
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $883 - $1,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,058 - $2,020
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $77 - $154 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Virginia Beach, Virginia, typically costs $718.
What are the best freight companies from Virginia Beach to Durham?
- 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.
- 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.
- Sysco Hampton Roads, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Sysco Hampton Roads, 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: If speed matters on your move from Virginia Beach to Durham, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Durham, NC
Good news for your budget: Durham isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Virginia Beach. Cost of living index runs 99 there against 105 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 33/100 and 58.0/100 here versus 30/100 and 45.28/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Durham, NC to Virginia Beach, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to North Carolina, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 201-mile move.
Our take
A move from Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $820 - $5,238 on the 201-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $841 - $2,502, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $244 - $598. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,303 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
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 Virginia Beach, VA, to Durham, NC
What do local movers charge in Virginia Beach?
Local movers based in Virginia Beach typically start around $183 as a base rate, plus $97/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Durham run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Durham?
For families, Treyburn, American Village/Arrowhead, and Willowhaven are worth a look in Durham. If you're moving solo or without kids, Golden Belt, Warehouse District, and City Center tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia Beach, VA to Durham, NC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $267 - $488. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Durham a safe place to live?
Durham has a safety index of 45.28 out of 100 and a crime index of 54.72, compared to 58.0 and 42.0 in Virginia Beach. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Virginia Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 85% of movers in Virginia Beach handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
