($1,109) Movers From Charleston, WV to Durham, NC

What to know before moving from Charleston to Durham

Moving from Charleston to Durham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Durham is generally more expensive than Charleston, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Durham are 94% higher than in Charleston, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
  Home prices in Durham are 154.9% higher than in Charleston.
• Income in Durham is 567.7% higher than in Charleston, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Durham, since the cost of living for a single person in Durham is 81.0% higher than in Charleston. 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 53.9% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Durham is 33.87% lower than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the city’s sales taxes in Durham are 7.14% higher than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 30.77% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,428.66 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Durham

• Durham's population is about 490% greater than Charleston.
• Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
• Durham and Charleston are similarily walkable.
• With a score of 38 out of 100, Durham is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Durham and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
• Durham and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Durham is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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