Local Move

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Durham, NC

21 miles · 24 min drive · Estimated cost $919–$1,567 for a 2-bedroom move

21 miles

24 min drive

Cost Index: 1.00 → 0.98

Cost Estimate: Raleigh to Durham

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

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$1,239

Range: $919 – $1,567

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$791

Range: $608 – $981

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$364

Range: $187 – $550

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 Raleigh to Durham move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Raleigh, NC → Durham, NC · 21 miles

Low

$919

Estimated

$1,239

High

$1,567

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom local move from Raleigh to Durham.

Total$1,240

Labor(35.6%)

$374 – $508

Transportation(30.8%)

$273 – $491

Packing(27.3%)

$225 – $450

Insurance(2.8%)

$17 – $58

Tips(3.5%)

$30 – $61

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Raleigh 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

Raleigh

North Carolina

Destination

Durham

North Carolina

Cost of Living Index

100

Average Rent (1BR)

$1,400

$1,350

Average Rent (2BR)

$1,700

$1,650

You'll save ~3% on housing

Average rent in Durham is $1,500/mo vs $1,550/mo in Raleigh

Top Neighborhoods

Raleigh

North Hills
Cameron Village
Five Points
Oakwood
ITB (Inside the Beltline)

Local Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 21-mile move from Raleigh to Durham.

Consider a DIY move

At under 100 miles, renting a truck for your Raleigh to Durham move can save you 50–70% compared to full-service movers.

Move mid-week

Tuesday through Thursday moves are typically 15–25% cheaper than weekend moves, with better availability.

Declutter before you pack

Sell or donate items you no longer need. Less stuff means fewer boxes, a smaller truck, and a lower bill.

Get at least 3 quotes

Local moving company rates can vary dramatically. Always compare at least three in-home or video estimates.

Reserve your elevator

If you live in an apartment building, book the service elevator in advance to avoid delays and extra hourly charges.

Finding Local Movers

For local moves under 100 miles, we recommend searching for movers in the Raleigh area. Local companies often provide better rates and more personalized service than national carriers for short-distance moves. Always get at least 3 in-home estimates and verify licensing through the FMCSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Raleigh, NC to Durham, NC ranges from $919 to $1,567, with a typical cost around $1,239. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $364. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Raleigh to Durham take?

The distance from Raleigh to Durham is approximately 21 miles. The estimated driving time is 24 min, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 1 day to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Raleigh 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 21-mile move, a DIY move can save you significantly — rental trucks are affordable for short distances, and you can recruit friends to help. Compare your DIY cost of ~$364 vs. full-service at ~$1,239 to decide.

How far is Raleigh from Durham?

Raleigh, NC is approximately 21 miles from Durham, NC. This is classified as a local move and the drive takes roughly 24 min.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Raleigh 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.