MoveCostGuide

Medium Distance

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC

341 miles · 7h 6m drive · Estimated cost $1,800$2,819 for a 2-bedroom move

341 miles
7h 6m drive
Cost Index: 1.040.98

Cost Estimate: Philadelphia to Durham

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$2,304
Range: $1,800$2,819
  • Professional packing & unpacking
  • Loading, transport & unloading
  • Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$1,642
Range: $1,324$1,966
  • You pack your own boxes
  • Movers load, transport & unload
  • Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$1,352
Range: $887$1,880
  • Truck rental + gas + equipment
  • No labor costs — you do the lifting
  • Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Philadelphia to Durham move.

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Philadelphia, PADurham, NC · 341 miles

Low

$1,800

Estimated

$2,304

High

$2,819

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom medium distance from Philadelphia to Durham.

Total$2,304
Labor(23.7%)
$477$614
Transportation(47.7%)
$874$1,326
Packing(22.5%)
$360$675
Insurance(3.7%)
$51$131
Tips(2.4%)
$38$74

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Philadelphia to Durham vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
CheapestModerateExpensive
Origin

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
Destination

Durham

North Carolina
Cost of Living Index
104
98
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,650
$1,350
Average Rent (2BR)
$2,000
$1,650
You'll save ~18% on housing
Average rent in Durham is $1,500/mo vs $1,825/mo in Philadelphia
Top Neighborhoods
Philadelphia
  • Fishtown
  • Rittenhouse Square
  • Northern Liberties
  • Manayunk
  • Old City

Medium-Distance Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 341-mile move from Philadelphia to Durham.

1

Book 4–6 weeks ahead

Medium-distance moves from Philadelphia to Durham require more logistics. Early booking locks in better rates and your preferred date.

2

Consider a hybrid move

Pack your own boxes but hire movers for the heavy lifting and driving. This partial-service approach typically saves 30–40%.

3

Use wardrobe boxes

For a multi-hundred-mile move, wardrobe boxes keep clothing organized and wrinkle-free without the hassle of folding everything.

4

Plan your route

The drive from Philadelphia to Durham may take several hours. Plan rest stops and fuel stations, especially if driving a rental truck.

5

Protect your valuables

Transport important documents, jewelry, and electronics in your personal vehicle rather than the moving truck.

6

Check your insurance

Basic carrier liability covers only $0.60/lb. For a medium-distance move, consider full-value protection for your belongings.

Top Moving Companies for Philadelphia to Durham

These nationally recognized movers service the Philadelphia to Durham route. Compare their rates and read reviews before choosing.

United Van Lines

$$$
4.3
Long DistanceCorporate RelocationInternational
  • Extensive nationwide agent network for reliable coverage
  • Offers a comprehensive online tracking and shipment management system
  • Strong reputation with decades of industry experience
Get a Free Quote

Allied Van Lines

$$$
4.2
Long DistanceMilitaryCorporate Relocation
  • Wide range of service options including packing and unpacking
  • Transparent online quote process with detailed estimates
  • Strong military and government relocation program
Get a Free Quote

Mayflower

$$$
4.1
Long DistanceCorporate RelocationStorage
  • Offers flexible moving and storage bundles
  • Provides detailed shipment tracking throughout the move
  • Well-established claims process for damaged items
Get a Free Quote

North American Van Lines

$$$
4
Long DistanceCorporate RelocationGovernment
  • Assigned personal move coordinator for each customer
  • ProMover certified with strong safety track record
Get a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Durham?
The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC ranges from $1,800 to $2,819, with a typical cost around $2,304. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $1,352. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.
How long does the drive from Philadelphia to Durham take?
The distance from Philadelphia to Durham is approximately 341 miles. The estimated driving time is 7h 6m, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 1–2 days to deliver your belongings.
What's the cheapest month to move from Philadelphia to Durham?
January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
For a 341-mile move, both options have merit. A DIY move saves money but requires significant effort over several hours of driving. Partial service (you pack, movers drive) offers a good balance. Compare your DIY cost of ~$1,352 vs. full-service at ~$2,304 to decide.
How far is Philadelphia from Durham?
Philadelphia, PA is approximately 341 miles from Durham, NC. This is classified as a medium distance and the drive takes roughly 7h 6m.
What size moving truck do I need for a move from Philadelphia to Durham?
For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.

Moving to Durham from elsewhere?

Compare moving costs from other cities to Durham, NC.