Best Sunnyvale to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Sunnyvale to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,807 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 28 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2D&L Movers9.349.36ActiveContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
5White Red Moving & Storage9.089.34Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Sunnyvale to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,807 miles from Sunnyvale, CA to Durham, NC will cost on average $4,168 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Sunnyvale to Durham move is roughly $10,079. 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$2,794300 ft³9.31
1 Bedroom$4,168450 ft³9.26
2 Bedrooms$6,910750 ft³9.21
3 Bedrooms$10,0791100 ft³9.16
4 Bedrooms$14,5811600 ft³9.11
5+ Bedrooms$16,3131800 ft³9.06
*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 Sunnyvale guide.

Compare the 5 Best Sunnyvale 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
D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
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
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
White Red Moving & Storage Logo

White Red Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.08/10
based on 550+ data points

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About White Red Moving & Storage

Based in Sunnyvale, California, White Red Moving & Storage has been providing local and long-distance moving services since 2010. As a...

Services

  • Local Moving Service
  • Long Distance Moving Service
  • Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3707629 / 1299933

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
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.

Sunnyvale vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be a daunting experience, especially when relocating to a new city. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using Sunnyvale, CA & Durham, NC comparison of the local neighborhoods . This guide aims to match you with a neighborhood in Durham that shares the spirit and vibe of your current Sunnyvale locale, making it feel a bit more like home from the start.

SunnyvaleDurhamHow They're Similar
Sunnyvale DowntownDowntown DurhamVibrant urban vibes with a similar mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options
CherryhillTrinity ParkHistoric homes with a family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful parks
BirdlandWoodcroftClose-knit community with ample green space and recreational activities
SnailOld West DurhamEclectic with a mix of residential and small businesses, plus a strong sense of community
Ponderosa ParkHope Valley FarmsSuburban feel with parks and recreational facilities, ideal for families
LakewoodForest HillsEstablished neighborhood known for its park-like setting and spacious homes
Heritage DistrictBrightleafHistoric architecture with a lively arts scene and unique eateries
Cumberland SouthRockwoodDiverse neighborhood with character, known for its local food scene and arts community
RaynorNorthgate ParkQuiet, residential with nearby parks and community-focused amenities
Murphy StationAmerican Tobacco DistrictRenovated industrial area boasting entertainment, dining, and arts

Moving from the dynamic and tech-rich environment of Sunnyvale to the historic and diverse culture of Durham, you'll find vibrant new communities waiting to welcome you. For instance, if you've appreciated the lively and social atmosphere of Sunnyvale Downtown, Downtown Durham will enchant you with its similar blend of cultural activities, from the Carolina Theatre to the weekly Durham Central Park farmers market. For those coming from a quieter neighborhood like Raynor, Northgate Park offers a peaceful retreat with easy access to recreational spots such as the Northgate Park itself. Each Durham neighborhood echoes a piece of Sunnyvale's charm while introducing you to North Carolina's unique character, ensuring you feel at home amongst the Tar Heel State's scenic beauty and warm community.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Sunnyvale to Durham

Embarking on a move from Sunnyvale, CA to Durham, NC involves weighing various factors that will impact your lifestyle. This comparison seeks to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. By examining both sides, you can make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited housing
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Lesser traffic
  • More housing options
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Humid summers
  • Smaller cultural scene
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • Tech job hub
  • Mild weather
  • Diverse culture

While Sunnyvale, CA, shines as a tech hub with a diverse culture and mild weather, its high cost of living and heavy traffic can be downsides. Contrastingly, Durham, NC, offers a lower cost of living, more housing options, and experiences less traffic congestion, making it a breath of fresh air for those seeking more space and affordability. However, it is important to note that Durham's tech scene, though growing, is not as extensive as Sunnyvale’s. Moreover, its cultural diversity is on a smaller scale, but gems like the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Nasher Museum of Art add vibrancy to the city. Durham's surroundings, featuring green spaces like the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Eno River State Park, offer residents and visitors alike a chance to embrace nature and outdoor activities amidst a bustling city environment.

Sunnyvale vs. Durham Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Sunnyvale & Durham reveals the rich food culture each location offers. Understanding these culinary landscapes can help you acclimate to your new home, enhancing your relocation experience with every bite.

SunnyvaleDurham
Most iconic local food itemArtisan SourdoughNorth Carolina BBQ
Most popular meat dishGrilled ChickenPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodVegan BurritoBBQ Tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • DishDash
  • Muracci's 2 Japanese Curry & Grill
  • Falafel STOP
  • The Pit
  • Poole's Diner
  • Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Sunnyvale, the passion for health and wellness is mirrored in its cuisine, marked by an abundance of food trucks and vegan options, such as the popular Vegan Burrito. Conversely, Durham celebrates its Southern roots with iconic North Carolina BBQ and innovation in traditional dishes, making it a haven for food enthusiasts. The Pit, known for its authentic barbecue, and Guglhupf, with its German influences, highlight the diverse culinary scene. Whether you're exploring the streets of Downtown Durham or the tech-centric Sunnyvale, you're in for a culinary journey that's as diverse as the locales themselves.

Sunnyvale vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort through cuisine in a new city can make all the difference. This restaurant comparison between Sunnyvale and Durham will guide you in discovering your next favorite dining spots, using familiar flavors from Sunnyvale as your culinary compass. Whether you're craving high-end dining, casual bites, unique foodie experiences, or affordable eats, this list has got you covered.

SunnyvaleDurhamWhat You'll Love
DishdashMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer a rich, flavorful exploration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Cherry OrchardPizzeria ToroBoth serve high-quality, artisanal pizzas with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Murphy's LawBull City Burger and BreweryA penchant for casual dining with a focus on quality, locally sourced burgers and beers.
Falafel STOPMediTerra GrillOffering a taste of Mediterranean comfort food, similar in the way they prepare and serve their dishes with authenticity.
The Sea by Alexander’s SteakhouseNanaSteakA high-end dining experience where the quality of the meat and seafood shines, with an innovative twist to traditional dishes.
Philz CoffeeCocoa CinnamonBoth coffee shops are deeply rooted in their communities, offering unique blends and a cozy atmosphere for coffee aficionados.
In-N-Out BurgerBurger BachWhile different in their origins, both spots are loved for their fresh, tasty burgers and casual dining vibe.
LeichiM SushiA dedication to the art of sushi, offering a dining experience focused on precision and excellence in fresh seafood.
Himalayan KitchenGoorshaSimilar for their focus on bringing authentic, flavorful Himalayan and Ethiopian cuisines, respectively, to their patrons.
Seti's Polish BoysKing's Sandwich ShopBoth offer iconic, local fast-food experiences with a focus on delivering mouth-watering, unique sandwiches.

When you find yourself yearning for a taste of Mediterranean warmth, Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham mirrors Dishdash's rich flavor palette with its own twist on Spanish tapas. For those days when only the comfort of a good burger will do, Bull City Burger and Brewery stands out as Durham's answer to Murphy's Law, showcasing the best of what local, quality ingredients can do for the humble hamburger. And for coffee enthusiasts, Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham is akin to Philz Coffee, where every cup is brewed with care, reflecting the unique coffee culture and community feel of Sunnyvale's favorite. Finding these culinary connections not only eases the transition but also enriches your experience in your new city.

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Sunnyvale vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding real estate differences between Sunnyvale, CA, and Durham, NC can greatly affect your decision. This comparison dives into housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle scores to give a better picture of what awaits in each city.

ComparisonSunnyvaleDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and SpanishColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to tech companiesClose to universities

Diving deeper into the comparison, Sunnyvale's real estate market is significantly more expensive than Durham's, both in terms of buying and renting. This can be attributed to Sunnyvale's position in the heart of Silicon Valley, contributing to its modern architectural styles and a highly urban lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on proximity to tech giants. Durham, on the other hand, offers more affordable living with a focus on educational institutions like Duke University, which influences its architectural styles and the items most commonly highlighted in real estate listings. Both cities offer their unique charms, with Sunnyvale being more suitable for those seeking an urban tech-centric environment and Durham appealing to those looking for a mix of urban and traditional lifestyles with easier access to academia.

Sunnyvale vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another brings significant changes, especially in terms of weather. Understanding these differences is crucial to prepare adequately for Sunnyvale to Durham. This comparison aims to outline how weather patterns in Durham contrast with what you're accustomed to in Sunnyvale.

Summer icon
82°F / 57°F

Sunnyvale, CA

89°F / 69°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 39°F

Sunnyvale, CA

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15

Sunnyvale, CA

42

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Sunnyvale, CA

6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSunnyvaleDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, wildfiresHurricanes, tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Sunnyvale enjoys a moderate climate with ample sunshine, Durham presents a blend of hot summers and chilly winters. The significant increase in humidity and annual rainfall in Durham compared to Sunnyvale can introduce you to a more varied seasonal experience. In addition, the potential for hurricanes and tornadoes in Durham contrasts with Sunnyvale's risk of earthquakes and wildfires. Adapting to these changes may require updates to your wardrobe, home maintenance routines, and possibly even adopting new measures for seasonal allergies.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, it's crucial to compare the financial landscapes of your current and future homes. This chart aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Sunnyvale, CA and Durham, NC across various economic factors. Understanding these differences will help you manage your budget more effectively in your new city.

ComparisonSunnyvaleDurham
Avg. Household Income$156,059$71,343
Cost of Living Index136.496.6
State Income Tax13.35.25
Avg. Property Tax0.790.84
Avg. Sales Tax9.007.50
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, RetailEducation, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLesser

While Sunnyvale boasts a significantly higher average household income compared to Durham, the cost of living in Sunnyvale is also considerably higher. Notably, the state income and sales tax rates are more favorable in Durham. This difference in taxation and living costs can have a significant impact on your financial health post-move. Furthermore, the top industries in each city reflect the local economies and job markets, with Sunnyvale leaning towards technology and manufacturing, and Durham focusing more on education, healthcare, and technology. Understanding these dynamics can aid in your job search and financial planning as you transition to your new home.

Sunnyvale vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome! This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents comparing Sunnyvale & Durham . Understanding these aspects will help you get to know what the community vibes might be like in your new city.

SunnyvaleDurham
Political Make-upLean LiberalStrongly Liberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic MajorityDemocratic Majority
ReligionDiverse, with no single dominatingChristianity prominent, diverse backgrounds present

The political landscape in both Sunnyvale and Durham is predominantly liberal, with both cities showcasing a strong Democratic majority in local politics. However, Durham tends to lean more strongly liberal compared to Sunnyvale. On the religious front, although Christianity is more prominent in Durham, both cities celebrate a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. This inclusive environment is evident through various establishments and communities, such as local churches in Durham and interfaith centers in Sunnyvale, contributing to the rich, cultural fabric of both cities.

Sunnyvale vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Sunnyvale & Durham is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving from Sunnyvale, CA, to Durham, NC. By examining factors such as commute times and the availability of public transit, you'll be better equipped to navigate your new city.

ComparisonSunnyvaleDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingDifficult

The average commute time in Sunnyvale is slightly longer than in Durham, reflecting the high levels of traffic congestion that are more common in California's Bay Area. Despite this, Sunnyvale scores better in terms of public transit availability, mainly due to the presence of services like Caltrain and VTA. In Durham, though, the reliance on a car is much stronger, as the city scores lower on public transit availability. This difference highlights a key adjustment you might need to make after your move, especially if you're used to the convenience of public transportation options in Sunnyvale.

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