Best Salinas to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Salinas to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,744 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Salinas to Durham moving companies and more than 20,000 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 $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas 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.

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Best Salinas to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Mod Movers8.808.1Authorized For HHGContact
4Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
5Cardinale Moving & Storage7.617.06Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Salinas to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,744 miles from Salinas, CA to Durham, NC will cost on average $4,115 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Durham move is roughly $9,948. 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$2,758300 ft³9.19
1 Bedroom$4,115450 ft³9.14
2 Bedrooms$6,820750 ft³9.09
3 Bedrooms$9,9481100 ft³9.04
4 Bedrooms$14,3901600 ft³8.99
5+ Bedrooms$16,0991800 ft³8.94
*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.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Salinas guide.

Compare the 5 Best Salinas 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
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
2
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.80/10
based on 1,087+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Cardinale Moving & Storage Logo

Cardinale Moving & Storage

7.61/10
based on 366+ data points

11360 Commercial Pkwy

Castroville, CA, 95012

About Cardinale Moving & Storage

Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Moves within California
  • Interstate moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

45193 / 138022

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans22
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Salinas vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be an adventure, especially when you're not familiar with your new stomping grounds. By comparing neighborhoods between Salinas, CA & Durham, NC , we aim to help you become acquainted with areas that feel like home. Let's dive into the local neighborhoods to find your best fit.

SalinasDurhamHow They're Similar
South SalinasTrinity ParkHistoric homes, community feel
CreekBridgeWoodcroftFamily-friendly, ample green spaces
North SalinasOld West DurhamVibrant, eclectic mix of residents
Maple ParkHope ValleyPrestige, historic, with golf course
Laurel WoodWatts Hospital-HillandaleQuaint, with unique homes
Monterey ParkCleveland-HollowayGrowing, with urban gentrification
Los OlivosTreyburnExclusive, with country club living
HarrodForest HillsLush landscapes, historic charm
Sherwood GardensBrightleafArtsy, with a mix of new and old
University ParkNinth StreetTrendy, close to academic institutions

For those drawn to the historic and community-focused vibe of South Salinas, Trinity Park in Durham offers a similar feel, boasting historic homes and a tight-knit community. Maple Park residents might find themselves at home in Hope Valley, where prestige meets history alongside a renowned golf course. If you appreciate the eclectic and vibrant spirit of North Salinas, Old West Durham will captivate you with its diverse population and lively streets. On the leisurely strolls through Watts Hospital-Hillandale reminiscent of Laurel Wood, discover unique homes that add a quaint charm to everyday life. While these neighborhood comparisons highlight some key similarities, Durham's local flavor—from the trendy eateries along Ninth Street to the historic sights in Trinity Park—promises to make your new neighborhood feel like home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Durham

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the good against the bad. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Salinas, CA to Durham, NC. By comparing the downsides of living in Salinas against the advantages of settling in Durham, and vice versa, we hope to offer a clear perspective on what this transition entails.

CONs
PROs
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Scarcity of tech jobs
  • Lower air quality
  • Less green spaces
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Richer cultural scene
  • Booming tech sector
  • Cleaner environment
  • Abundant parks and nature
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Hotter, humid summers
  • Fewer beach options
  • Less focus on agriculture
  • More industrialized food scene
  • Bigger city vibe
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Milder winter climate
  • Proximity to beaches
  • Strong agricultural sector
  • Access to fresh produce
  • Smaller town feel

Moving from Salinas, CA, to Durham, NC, introduces a diverse palette of changes, ranging from economic shifts to environmental tweaks. In Durham, the lure of an enriching cultural scene can't be understated. With vibrant venues like the Durham Performing Arts Center and creative hubs such as the American Tobacco Campus, the city invites an eclectic social life. Moreover, the affordability of living in Durham, paired with the booming tech sector at the Research Triangle Park, marks a significant shift from Salinas. On the flip side, Salinas offers a gateway to California's stunning coastal regions, something that newcomers might miss. However, Durham compensates with lush green spaces, such as the Eno River State Park, promising a different set of natural explorations. This balance between urban development and natural beauty positions Durham as a promising new home with its own set of unique advantages.

Salinas vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Salinas, CA & Durham, NC, showing how food is an essential aspect of local culture and what living in these areas might be like. Through this comparison, you'll be better equipped to dive into the food scene of your new city.

SalinasDurham
Most iconic local food itemArtichoke dishesCarolina-style BBQ
Most popular meat dishTri-tip steakPulled pork
Most popular street food itemTacosFood truck burgers
Most popular vegan foodVegetable burritosBBQ tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Steinbeck House
  • Gino's Fine Italian Food
  • Rancho Cielo Drummond Culinary Academy
  • Nana's Restaurant
  • The Pit Authentic Barbecue
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Salinas, CA, the artichoke reigns supreme, a local delicacy reflective of the rich agricultural landscape surrounding the city. In contrast, Durham, NC, prides itself on its Carolina-style BBQ, especially found in neighborhood joints like The Pit Authentic Barbecue. Durham's food scene thrives with an abundance of food trucks and high vegan-friendliness, perhaps a nod to the city's progressive and health-conscious foodie culture. You'll easily stumble upon vegan options like BBQ tofu, which stand their ground among traditional Southern dishes. Both cities boast iconic restaurants that showcase their culinary heritage but moving to Durham means diving into a more diverse and cosmopolitan range of flavors, made evident by places like Mateo Bar de Tapas.

Salinas vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

When relocating from Salinas, CA to Durham, NC, finding your new go-to dining spots can transform an unfamiliar place into home. This restaurant comparison will bridge the gap between Salinas and Durham , using your culinary favorites as a guide, ensuring a smoother transition to your new city.

SalinasDurhamWhat You'll Love
Eagle RestaurantMateo Bar de TapasSpanish cuisine with a local twist, similar to Eagle's international flavors.
Salinas City BBQThe PitAuthentic southern BBQ, offering a taste of the South akin to Salinas City BBQ's homestyle flavors.
Giorgio's Italian Food & PizzeriaPizzeria ToroArtisanal pizzas with a focus on quality ingredients, echoing Giorgio's commitment to Italian cuisine.
PatriaGocciolinaItalian dishes made with care, providing an intimate dining experience similar to Patria.
Growers PubBull City Burger and BreweryBurgers and beers crafted with local ingredients, offering a pub atmosphere like Growers Pub.
La Casa del SazonEl CuscatlecoCentral American dishes that capture the authentic flavors and warmth of La Casa del Sazon.
Farm Fresh ProduceDurham Farmers' MarketFresh, local produce that encourages farm-to-table dining, mirroring the ethos of Farm Fresh Produce.
First AwakeningsFoster's MarketCozy breakfast and brunch spot with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, akin to First Awakenings.
Monterey Fish HouseSaltbox Seafood JointFresh, sustainably sourced seafood served in a casual setting, reminiscent of Monterey Fish House.
Rancho CieloScratchInnovative dishes and a focus on sustainable, local ingredients, echoing the mission of Rancho Cielo.

Embarking on a culinary journey in a new city can be an exciting adventure, especially when you discover places like Mateo Bar de Tapas and The Pit in Durham, which reflect the familiar flavors of Salinas's top eateries like Eagle Restaurant and Salinas City BBQ. These establishments not only prioritize quality ingredients and authentic recipes but also embody the spirit of their communities, creating a sense of belonging for newcomers. Whether it's enjoying a slice of artisanal pizza at Pizzeria Toro that reminds you of Giorgio's or finding comfort in the homestyle southern BBQ at The Pit, you'll discover that Durham's dining scene offers a welcoming taste of home, no matter where you're from.

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Salinas vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's vital to understand how the real estate landscapes compare between your current and future homes. This comparison between Salinas, CA, and Durham, NC, focuses on housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle scores, providing a comprehensive view of what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonSalinasDurham
Typical Architecture StyleRanchColonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Proximity to agricultureHistoric neighborhoods, Access to research and education centers

When moving from Salinas to Durham, you'll find significant differences in housing costs, with Durham presenting more affordable options for both purchasing and renting. The architectural landscape shifts from Salinas's predominant Ranch-style homes to Durham's historic Colonial designs. This change not only affects the visual aesthetics of your neighborhood but may also influence your living experience, with Durham offering a slight edge in urban lifestyle and accessibility. Most notably, Durham's emphasis on its historic neighborhoods and proximity to top-tier research and educational centers, such as Duke University, adds unique value to its real estate market not found in Salinas.

Salinas vs. Durham Weather Considerations

If you're contemplating a move from one city to another, grasping the climate differences is essential. Understanding how the weather between Salinas and Durham varies will ensure you're well-prepared for your relocation. This comparison aims to highlight the significant weather distinctions you should expect.

Summer icon
68°F / 52°F

Salinas, CA

89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
61°F / 43°F

Salinas, CA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15

Salinas, CA

41

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Salinas, CA

6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSalinasDurham
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Salinas to Durham, you'll exchange mild, comfortable summers for hotter, more humid ones, reflecting a significant shift in the way you might spend your days outdoors. While Salinas boasts more days of sunshine and generally better air quality, Durham experiences a wider range of weather phenomena, including more rainfall and the occasional snowfall, which could lead to new experiences for those unaccustomed to snowy winters. Furthermore, Durham's exposure to different seasonal allergies, coupled with its variable air quality, may also necessitate adjustments in daily routines and health precautions.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your financial situation might change. This comparison between Salinas, CA and Durham, NC offers insight into important money and finance-related differences that may affect your daily life and long-term goals.

ComparisonSalinasDurham
Avg. Household Income$80,154$71,343
Cost of Living Index136.496.6
State Income Tax9.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.790.85
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.5
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailEducation, Health, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableConcerning

Moving from Salinas, CA, to Durham, NC, comes with its share of financial adjustments. One of the most noticeable differences is the cost of living index. With Durham's index at 95.6 compared to Salinas's 141.7, your day-to-day expenses could be significantly lower. This fresh financial perspective might provide you with an opportunity to invest or save more than you could before. However, it's also important to consider the differences in the average household income, which is higher in Salinas, and the state income tax, which is lower in Durham. These changes might impact your net income and quality of life. Understanding these financial shifts along with the prevalent industries could facilitate a smoother transition and better prepare you for the economic environment of your new city.

Salinas vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Salinas, CA to Durham, NC, it's essential to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This quick comparison provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of Salinas & Durham , offering insights into the beliefs and values that shape these cities.

SalinasDurham
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on agricultural policiesEmphasis on education and tech growth
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a significant Catholic presence (Diocese of Monterey)Diverse religious landscape, strong presence of both Protestant and non-Christian faiths (Duke Chapel)

Shifting from Salinas to Durham, you'll find yourself moving from a community with a relatively balanced political landscape to one with a strongly Democratic leaning. This political inclination in Durham is often reflected in local policies, which tend to prioritize educational advancements and technological innovation, reflecting the city's growing reputation as a hub for research and development. Contrastingly, Salinas aligns more with agricultural interests, directly tied to its economy's backbone. On the religious front, while Salinas hosts a strong Catholic community, Durham presents a more varied religious scene, accommodating a wide array of beliefs and practices. Such diversity in politics and religion encapsulates the distinct societal frameworks and cultural identities of these two cities.

Salinas vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can bring a substantial shift in daily life, especially when it comes to commuting. This comparison aims to give you a better understanding of what the daily commute and traffic are like between Salinas & Durham. By examining these aspects, you'll be better prepared for your move.

ComparisonSalinasDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2322
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoMore challenging but feasible

While the average commute time in both Salinas and Durham hovers around the 22-23 minute mark, you'll find that Durham offers a slightly less congested experience. However, the availability of public transit is somewhat similar but marginally better in Durham, pointing to slightly greater accessibility for those without a car. Even though living in Salinas without a car can be difficult due to its spread-out nature, Durham's urban environment offers a bit more flexibility, making it a bit easier to navigate the city without exclusive reliance on personal vehicles. Understanding these differences can significantly ease your transition and help you plan your daily routines more effectively.

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