Factors influencing moving costs from Louisville to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Louisville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Louisville to Durham can be as low as $1,430 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,422.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Louisville, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $518 to $1,302. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Louisville to Durham

Moving from Louisville to Durham comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Durham is generally more expensive than Louisville, itโ€™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:

Louisville Durham
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,699
Average home value $242,612 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $69,771 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $1,862 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,532 $5,945
Unemployment rate 5.0% 4.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.5%
State income tax 4.0% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 36% higher than in Louisville, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Louisville.
    Home prices in Durham are 61.5% higher than in Louisville.
  • Income in Durham is 468.0% higher than in Louisville, 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 50.5% higher than in Louisville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 31.2% higher than in Louisville.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 18.00% lower than in Louisville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 25.00% higher than in Louisville.
  • State income taxes in Durham are 12.50% higher than in Louisville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,516.11 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Louisville.

How life is different in Louisville vs. Durham

Durham Louisville
Population 283,506 782,969
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 30 91
Bike friendliness score 38 79
Crime Index 54.72 56.68
Safety Index 45.28 43.32
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 64% less than Louisville.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Louisville's higher score of 6.
  • Durham is less walkable than Louisville with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Louisville's 91 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 Louisville, which has a score of 79 out of 100.
  • Durham and Louisville have a similar crime rate.
  • Durham and Louisville are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Louisville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Louisville 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Durham. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Durham

Ready to relocate to "City of The Viper"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Durham.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Golden Belt
  • Warehouse District
  • City Center
  • Central Park
  • Chapel Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Treyburn
  • American Village/Arrowhead
  • Willowhaven
  • Fieldstone by the Eno
  • Hope Valley Farms

Things to do in Durham

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Durham has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Durham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, and Golden Belt.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Louisville to Durham?

The best time to move from Louisville to Durham is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Louisville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Louisville to Durham?

Because most people are moving from Louisville to Durham in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Louisville to Durham take?

The 539-mile move from Louisville, KY, to Durham, NC, takes one to six days. Some Louisville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.

Helpful moving resources