Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Detroit 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 Detroit to Durham can be as low as $1,484 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,028.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $600 to $1,435. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Durham

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

Detroit Durham
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,699
Average home value $73,156 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $5,945
Unemployment rate 9.06% 4.1%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.5%
State income tax 4.25% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 36% higher than in Detroit, 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 Detroit.
    Home prices in Durham are 435.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Durham is 949.5% higher than in Detroit, 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 12.1% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Durham is 11.1% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 54.75% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 25.00% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Durham are 5.88% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,363.60 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Durham

Durham Detroit
Population 283,506 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 7
Walkability score 30 51
Bike friendliness score 38 52
Crime Index 54.72 72.92
Safety Index 45.28 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 56% less than Detroit.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Durham is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Durham's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 54.72 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Durham is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 45.28 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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

  • 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

Things to do in Durham

After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Durham has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Detroit 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 Detroit to Durham take?

The 657-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Durham, NC, takes one to six days. Some Detroit 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