Factors influencing moving costs from Oklahoma City to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City to Durham can be as low as $1,496 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,824.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oklahoma City, 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 $943 to $2,221. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Oklahoma City to Durham

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

Oklahoma City Durham
Average rent cost $1,249 $1,699
Average home value $195,949 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $64,251 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $2,150 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,520 $5,945
Unemployment rate 4.4% 4.1%
Sales tax 8.63% 7.5%
State income tax 4.75% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 36% higher than in Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City.
    Home prices in Durham are 99.9% higher than in Oklahoma City.
  • Income in Durham is 516.8% higher than in Oklahoma City, 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 30.4% higher than in Oklahoma City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Durham is 8.8% lower than in Oklahoma City.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 6.82% lower than in Oklahoma City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 13.09% lower than in Oklahoma City.
  • One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 5.26% lower than in Oklahoma City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,911.16 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oklahoma City.

How life is different in Oklahoma City vs. Durham

Durham Oklahoma City
Population 283,506 681,054
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 30 73
Bike friendliness score 38 74
Crime Index 54.72 49.37
Safety Index 45.28 50.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 58% less than Oklahoma City.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Oklahoma City's lower score of 3.
  • Durham is less walkable than Oklahoma City with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Oklahoma City's 73 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 Oklahoma City, which has a score of 74 out of 100.
  • Durham's crime rate is higher than Oklahoma City with a score of 54.72 compared to Oklahoma City's 49.37. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oklahoma City neighborhoods are safer than 49.37%.
  • Durham is considered to be less safe than Oklahoma City with a score of 45.28 vs Oklahoma City's 50.63.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Oklahoma City it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oklahoma City 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: 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: 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in North Carolina, 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 toDurham Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Durham

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "City of The Viper" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Durham to check out.

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

Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Durham. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Durham, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Oklahoma City to Durham?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Oklahoma City to Durham?

Because most people are moving from Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City to Durham take?

The 1,204-mile move from Oklahoma City, OK, to Durham, NC, takes two to eight days. Some Oklahoma City 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