($1,457) Moving from Seattle to Durham

Quick answer: A move from Seattle to Durham costs $1,676 to $8,641 and takes seven-twenty-one days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,825-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Seattle will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Durham to Seattle guide.

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The best Seattle to Durham moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Seattle to Durham is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Seattle to Durham.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Seattle to Durham?

Seattle movers charge $141 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,457 - $6,651 $1,353 - $3,549 $1,470 - $2,940
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,349 - $8,641 $2,425 - $5,175 $1,676 - $3,466
4+ bedrooms $8,435 - $13,389 $3,554 - $7,490 $2,183 - $4,299
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,825 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Durham

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Durham can be as low as $1,457 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,544.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,470 to $4,040. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Seattle to Durham?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Seattle to Durham will cost between $1,457 to $6,651. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,349 to $8,641, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Seattle to Durham will cost from $8,435 to $13,389.

How much are moving container companies from Seattle to Durham?

Moving containers from Seattle to Durham will cost you $1,353 to $3,549 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,425 to $5,175. A larger home will cost $3,554 to $7,490.

How much is a moving truck from Seattle to Durham?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,470 to $2,940. A larger move will cost $1,676 to $3,466, and a four-bedroom move from Seattle to Durham costs from $2,183 to $4,299. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Seattle to Durham

Cost of living: Seattle vs Durham

Seattle Durham
Average rent cost $2,000 $1,794
Average home value $824,264 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $75,156 $65,621
Cost of Living (single person) $1,211 $928
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,345 $3,372
Unemployment rate 4.8% 4.1%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.5%
State Income Tax 0.0% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 10% lower than in Seattle.
  • Home prices in Durham are 52.5% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Durham is 12.7% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Durham is 23.4% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a family in Durham is 22.4% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 14.58% lower than in Seattle.
  • Sales taxes in Durham are 26.83% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Durham are 4.50% higher than in Seattle.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,298.93 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How is life different in Seattle compared to Durham?

Durham Seattle
Population 283,506 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 30 74
Bike friendliness score 38 71
Crime Index 47.6 59.09
Safety Index 45.44 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 62% less than Seattle.
  • Durham's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Seattle's lower score of 8.
  • Durham is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
  • Durham is less bike-friendly than Seattle with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Seattle's 71.
  • Durham's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 47.6 compared to Seattle's 59.09. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 47.6% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 59.09%.
  • Durham is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 45.44 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Considerations for moving to Durham

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Durham. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Seattle movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Seattle Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
521 S Monroe St., Seattle, WA, 98108
(206) 284-9445
Access Gentle Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
11900 NE 1st St, Bellevue, WA, 98005
(425) 830-5286

Visit our best long distance movers in Seattle page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Durham

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of The Viper", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Durham.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Golden Belt
  • Warehouse District
  • 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

What to do in Durham

These are some of the best things to do in your new North Carolina home.

  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens
  • Museum of Life + Science
  • Duke University
  • Duke University Chapel
  • Durham Bulls Athletic Park
  • Cameron Indoor Stadium
  • DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Center
  • Duke Lemur Center
  • Eno River State Park
  • American Tobacco Historic District
  • Bennett Place Historic Site
  • Streets at Southpoint
  • Carolina Theatre
  • Duke Homestead
  • Wallace Wade Stadium

Get your sports on!

Durham is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Duke University (ACC)
  • Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball)

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 2,825-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Durham, NC, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Seattle 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