Factors influencing moving costs from Salt Lake City to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City to Durham can be as low as $1,613 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,263.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Salt Lake 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 $1,524 to $3,840. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Salt Lake City to Durham

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

Salt Lake City Durham
Average rent cost $1,495 $1,699
Average home value $549,528 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $63,975 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $2,172 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,827 $5,945
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.1%
Sales tax 7.75% 7.5%
State income tax 4.95% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 14% higher than in Salt Lake 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 Durham.
    Home prices in Durham are 28.7% lower than in Salt Lake City.
  • Income in Durham is 519.4% higher than in Salt Lake 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 29.1% higher than in Salt Lake City. 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 23.2% higher than in Salt Lake City.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 36.67% higher than in Salt Lake City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 3.23% lower than in Salt Lake City.
  • One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 9.09% lower than in Salt Lake City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,871.55 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Salt Lake City.

How life is different in Salt Lake City vs. Durham

Durham Salt Lake City
Population 283,506 200,133
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 30 59
Bike friendliness score 38 74
Crime Index 54.72 34.64
Safety Index 45.28 65.36
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 42% greater than Salt Lake City.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Salt Lake City's higher score of 8.
  • Durham is less walkable than Salt Lake City with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Salt Lake City's 59 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 Salt Lake City, which has a score of 74 out of 100.
  • Durham's crime rate is higher than Salt Lake City with a score of 54.72 compared to Salt Lake City's 34.64. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64%.
  • Durham is considered to be less safe than Salt Lake City with a score of 45.28 vs Salt Lake City's 65.36.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Salt Lake City it's good.

Other things to consider for your Salt Lake 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While North Carolina doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Durham without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Durham

With your sights set on "City of The Viper", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Durham.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Golden Belt
  • City Center
  • Research Triangle Park
  • 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

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 Salt Lake City to Durham?

The best time to move from Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City.

When is the cheapest time to move from Salt Lake City to Durham?

Because most people are moving from Salt Lake 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 Salt Lake City to Durham take?

The 2,119-mile move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Durham, NC, takes six to 17 days. Some Salt Lake 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