Best Irvine to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Irvine to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,567 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Irvine to Durham moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Irvine compared to Durham. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Irvine to Durham Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Irvine to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4NorthStar Moving Company9.228.97Authorized For HHGContact
5Trek Movers9.209.02Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Irvine to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,567 miles from Irvine, CA to Durham, NC will cost on average $3,964 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Irvine to Durham move is roughly $9,580. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,658300 ft³8.86
1 Bedroom$3,964450 ft³8.81
2 Bedrooms$6,569750 ft³8.76
3 Bedrooms$9,5801100 ft³8.71
4 Bedrooms$13,8551600 ft³8.66
5+ Bedrooms$15,4971800 ft³8.61
*Please note: These California to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & North Carolina. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to NC mover.
California iconArrow iconNorth Carolina icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Irvine guide.

Compare the 5 Best Irvine to Durham Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
NorthStar Moving Company Logo

NorthStar Moving Company

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.22/10
based on 9,882+ data points

633 W 5th St 26th floor

Los Angeles, CA, 90071

About NorthStar Moving Company

Founded in 1994, Los Angeles-based NorthStar Moving Company treats all its customers as VIPs when helping them with local, intrastate, interstate,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • International Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1836576 / 665757

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.20/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Irvine vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease your transition from Irvine, CA to Durham, NC, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. By understanding the closest equivalents between these two cities, you can find a new neighborhood that best matches your lifestyle and preferences.

IrvineDurhamHow They're Similar
WoodbridgeHope ValleyFamily-friendly, scenic green spaces
Turtle RockTreyburnUpscale, close-knit community spirit
University ParkOld West DurhamVibrant, proximity to academia
Quail HillForest HillsQuiet, luxurious homes with nature trails
NorthwoodTrinity ParkHistoric charm, diverse architectural styles
Shady CanyonMorehead HillExclusive, serene with large estates
WestparkWatts-HillandaleCommunity-centric with historic appeal
Portola SpringsBrightleafModern, vibrant community living
WoodburyAmerican VillageActive, family-oriented community
Great Park NeighborhoodsBrier CreekComprehensive amenities, planned development

For instance, if you relish the community-centric, yet upscale vibe of Turtle Rock in Irvine, Treyburn's close-knit community and elegant homes might be your perfect fit in Durham. Similarly, those accustomed to the academic atmosphere and convenience of University Park might find Old West Durham a seamless transition with its proximity to Duke University and vibrant local culture. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the transition from Quail Hill's nature trails to Forest Hills' luxurious homes nestled among extensive natural beauty will be delightful. Noteworthy spots like Duke Gardens in Trinity Park area, or the historic Brightleaf Square in Brightleaf, offer a glimpse into Durham's rich culture and leisure possibilities, ensuring you'll immediately feel at home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Irvine to Durham

Moving from one city to another is a significant life change that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. To help you weigh these aspects in your decision to relocate from Irvine, CA to Durham, NC, the following charts compare the two cities in terms of pros and cons. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.

CONs
PROs
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less seasonal weather
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable
  • Lighter traffic
  • Distinct seasons
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Varied school quality
  • More humidity
  • Smaller city vibe
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Great schools
  • Sunny weather
  • Cultural diversity

While both Irvine and Durham offer unique living experiences, it's the nuances of everyday life and local amenities that will define your experience. Irvine, known for its high quality of life, prides itself on top-ranked schools such as University of California, Irvine, and vibrant cultural diversity. On the flip side, Durham welcomes newcomers with a lower cost of living, distinctive seasonal changes that bring stunning fall colors and spring blooms, and a burgeoning food scene with gems like Pizzeria Toro and Fullsteam Brewery. Although you might miss Irvine's near-perfect weather and diverse cultural festivals, Durham compensates with its rich history, lighter traffic, and the charm of a smaller community feel without sacrificing amenities or your quality of life.

Irvine vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Irvine, CA & Durham, NC, highlighting the significance of food in understanding the culture and lifestyle of an area. It will help you gain insights into what culinary experiences await you as you transition from one vibrant city to another.

IrvineDurham
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosBarbecue Pulled Pork
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemFood TrucksFood Trucks
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlsJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Haidilao Hot Pot
  • Houston's
  • Din Tai Fung
  • Poole's Diner
  • Saltbox Seafood Joint
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Irvine to Durham, you'll find the food scene quite exhilarating. Irvine boasts a diverse culinary landscape, featuring health-conscious options like Acai Bowls and vibrant Korean BBQ, reflective of its multicultural community. In contrast, Durham's soulful comfort food, notably its Barbecue Pulled Pork and innovative vegan options like Jackfruit BBQ, tells the story of a city deeply rooted in Southern traditions yet open to modern interpretations. Neighborhoods such as Durham's Brightleaf or Ninth Street are where you can explore these rich flavors, especially at local favorites like Saltbox Seafood Joint or Poole's Diner. The shift from Irvine’s health-conscious, international cuisine to Durham’s hearty, Southern comfort dishes is a journey worth anticipating.

Irvine vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help bridge the culinary gap between Irvine and Durham, guiding you to find new favorite eateries reminiscent of those left behind.

IrvineDurhamWhat You'll Love
HabanaCuban RevolutionAuthentic Cuban cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
Taco RosaGuasacaFresh and innovative arepas, similar focus on Latin flavors.
Din Tai FungM SushiExquisite detail to Asian dishes, albeit Japanese focus.
North ItaliaGocciolinaHandmade pasta with a rustic, Italian essence.
Urban PlatesFoster's MarketCasual dining with a focus on fresh, wholesome food.
Eureka!Bull City Burger and BreweryBoth offer innovative burgers and craft beer.
Tanaka FarmsFullsteam BreweryWhile a brewery, it emphasizes local agriculture and community.
Sidecar DoughnutsMonutsHandcrafted doughnuts and a dedication to quality ingredients.
Mendocino FarmsFoster's MarketFresh, creative sandwiches in a similar marketplace setting.
Bosscat KitchenThe PitElevated comfort food with a strong whiskey selection.

Food enthusiasts moving from Irvine to Durham will find comfort in knowing that their new city offers exceptional venues like Cuban Revolution and Gocciolina, reminiscent of the familiar flavors from Habana and North Italia. The transition to Foster's Market from places like Urban Plates emphasizes a seamless blend of fresh produce-focused dining experiences, ensuring you don't miss out on wholesome meals. Furthermore, for those who indulge in sweet treats, the step from Sidecar Doughnuts to Monuts offers an exploration of unique, artisanal doughnuts that highlight the importance of local ingredients and community-oriented operations, capturing the essence of your Irvine favorites while embracing the local flavors of Durham.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Irvine vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate directly affects your quality of life and daily experiences when moving. Understanding how Irvine, CA , and Durham, NC , housing markets compare is crucial. This guide illuminates key differences to inform your decision.

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and MediterraneanColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor spaces, luxury amenitiesLarge yards, community events

Diving deeper, Irvine's modern and Mediterranean homes reflect its newer, planned city status, emphasizing outdoor spaces and luxury amenities in real estate listings. Despite its lower walkability score, Irvine offers excellent bikeability, catering to a health-conscious population. On the other hand, Durham boasts a more affordable housing market with a higher urban lifestyle score. Its colonial and craftsman homes often highlight large yards and proximity to community events, indicative of Durham's rich history and neighborly vibe. This comparison reveals stark differences in living experience, cost of living, and community attributes between the two cities.

Irvine vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another means getting used to new weather patterns. It’s crucial to compare the weather characteristics between Irvine, CA, and Durham, NC to understand how your lifestyle or daily routine might change. This comparison will cover critical weather aspects such as temperature, sunshine, and more.

Summer icon
83°F / 64°F

Irvine, CA

89°F / 68°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 47°F

Irvine, CA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
14

Irvine, CA

47

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Irvine, CA

5

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Irvine offers more days of sunshine and milder winters, Durham displays a broader range of temperatures with hotter summers and colder winters. Notably, Durham experiences significantly more rainfall annually than Irvine, adding lush greenery but also higher humidity levels. In contrast, Irvine enjoys a predominantly dry climate, contributing to its lower humidity and minimal rainfall. Adjusting to these differences, particularly the humidity and the potential for snow in Durham, will be a key part of your transition.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Durham

When considering a move from one city to another, comprehending the financial implications is vital. This comparison aims to help you understand how the cost of living and other financial factors in Irvine will compare to those in Durham, important for planning your relocation.

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Avg. Household Income$105,774$71,343
Cost of Living Index136.496.6
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.720.85
Avg. Sales Tax7.754.75
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, Health ServicesEducation, Healthcare, Biotechnology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigher than Irvine
HomelessnessModerateLower than Irvine

Moving from Irvine to Durham can present a significant shift in the economic landscape you're accustomed to. The average household income in Irvine is notably higher, which correlates with its much higher cost of living index. However, it's worth noting that the state income and sales tax rates are substantially lower in Durham, making the day-to-day cost potentially more manageable than the figures suggest. Additionally, while both cities boast strong industries in education and health services, Irvine has a higher affluence level and lower poverty rates, indicating a different economic atmosphere. Understanding these nuances can help you better prepare for your move.

Irvine vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from Irvine, CA, to Durham, NC, it's useful to understand how the communities compare. This quick snapshot offers insights into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Irvine & Durham, providing a glimpse into the cultural and social landscape you'll be transitioning into.

IrvineDurham
Political Make-upGenerally leans liberalStrongly liberal
Local PoliticsActive civic engagement, focus on environmental and educational issuesHighly active in social justice, education reform, and healthcare access
ReligionDiverse religious landscape including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, IslamDiverse with a strong presence of Christian denominations and growing non-affiliated groups

Moving from Irvine to Durham, you'll find yourself in environments that both prioritize liberal values, though you may notice Durham expresses its political standpoints more robustly, particularly around issues of social justice and healthcare. The local political scene in Durham is very engaged, reflecting its community's commitment to activism and reform. While both cities offer a religiously diverse community, your experience in Durham might come with more direct exposure to a range of Christian denominations alongside a significant number of individuals identifying as non-affiliated, reflecting the broader trend of religious diversity and change in the U.S.

Irvine vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Irvine, CA, and Durham, NC, is crucial for anticipating what your daily commute and traffic interactions will be like. This guide aims to provide you with a concise comparison to aid your transition.

ComparisonIrvineDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingDifficult

In Irvine, navigating without a car is challenging due to limited public transit options, though slightly better than in Durham. With an average commute time of about 25 minutes and a higher traffic congestion rating, Irvine's robust economy and extensive suburbs contribute to such conditions. Durham, on the other hand, presents lesser traffic congestion, accounting for a potentially smoother commute. However, the availability of public transit is lower, making car ownership almost essential for convenience. Considering these differences, planning your commute and considering proximity to employment centers or public transit might influence your living situation in either city.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Irvine to Durham Movers Featured Image