($1,619) Movers From Modesto, CA to Durham, NC

What to know before moving from Modesto to Durham

Moving from Modesto to Durham comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Durham is generally more expensive than Modesto, 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 6% lower than in Modesto, 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 11.4% lower than in Modesto.
• Income in Durham is 491.4% higher than in Modesto, 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 21.2% higher than in Modesto. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family is the same in Durham and Modesto.
• The unemployment rate in Durham is 48.75% lower than in Modesto.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the city’s sales taxes in Durham are 15.54% lower than in Modesto.
• One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Modesto.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,637.11 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Modesto.

How life is different in Modesto vs. Durham

• Durham's population is about 30% greater than Modesto.
• Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Modesto's higher score of 5.
• Durham is less walkable than Modesto with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 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 Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
• Durham's crime rate is lower than Modesto with a score of 54.72 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
• Durham is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 45.28 vs Modesto's 34.24.
• Air quality in Durham is good, and in Modesto it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Modesto 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: 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
• 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 forwarded to Durham. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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.

Helpful moving resources