Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to Bostontoggle

The cost of Durham 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 Durham to Boston can be as low as $1,362 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,894.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, 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 $642 to $1,589. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Boston

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

Durham Boston
Average rent cost $1,699 $3,400
Average home value $391,719 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $2,803 $4,820
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,945 $11,304
Unemployment rate 4.1% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.5% 6.25%
State income tax 4.5% 9.0%
  • Rent prices in Boston are 100% higher than in Durham, 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 Durham.
    Home prices in Boston are 88.7% higher than in Durham.
  • Income in Boston is 77.5% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 72.0% higher than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 90.1% higher than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 51.22% higher than in Durham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Boston are 16.67% lower than in Durham.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 100.00% higher than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,158.76 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Boston

Boston Durham
Population 675,647 283,506
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 4
Walkability score 98 30
Bike friendliness score 86 38
Crime Index 39.88 54.72
Safety Index 60.12 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Boston's population is about 138% greater than Durham.
  • Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Durham's lower score of 4.
  • Boston is more walkable than Durham with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
  • With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 39.88 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 60.12 vs Durham's 45.28.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ€“ Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Massachusetts, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toBoston Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Boston

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Athens of America" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Boston to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

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

  • Arts and culture: Boston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade 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 Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 700-mile move from Durham, NC, to Boston, MA, takes one to six days. Some Durham movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.

Helpful moving resources