Best Portland to Durham Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Portland to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 822 mile move from Maine to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 30 Portland 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 $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland 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 Portland to Durham Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
| 2 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | SC Moving Services | 9.18 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Vacationland Moving | 9.02 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Portland to Durham
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 822 miles from Portland, ME to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,108 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Durham move is roughly $5,060. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,418 | 300 ft³ | 4.73 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,108 | 450 ft³ | 4.68 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,482 | 750 ft³ | 4.64 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,060 | 1100 ft³ | 4.60 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,292 | 1600 ft³ | 4.56 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,127 | 1800 ft³ | 4.51 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Portland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Portland to Durham Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Raleigh Moving Company
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Athens Moving Experts
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving Experts6601 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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3205320 / 204920 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2021) |
You Move Me Portland
9442 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR, 97219
About You Move Me Portland
You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2388358 / 820850 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2020) |
SC Moving Services
25 Augusta St
South Portland, ME, 04106
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2324405 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2016) |
Vacationland Moving
This listing has been claimed by Vacationland Moving1484 Maine St Apt 1
Poland, ME, 04274
About Vacationland Moving
Vacationland Moving is a relocation specialist company based in Portland, Maine. Their services, which are considered some of the finest moving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3540196 / 1181718 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2024) |
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.
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.
Portland vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, so we've compared popular neighborhoods to help you get acquainted with your new home by drawing parallels between Portland, ME & Durham, NC . This will give you a head start in feeling at home.
| Portland | Durham | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Old Port | Brightleaf District | Vibrant nightlife and dining options |
| East Bayside | Central Park | Eclectic, up-and-coming scene |
| West End | Trinity Park | Historic homes and tree-lined streets |
| Deering Center | Hope Valley | Family-friendly, suburban feel |
| Munjoy Hill | Watts-Hillandale | Charming with great city views |
| Rosemont | Forest Hills | Residential with local markets |
| Libbytown | Lakewood Park | Affordable, up-and-coming |
| Bayside | Lakewood | Trendy developments and new restaurants |
| Nason's Corner | Old Five Points | Community-centric, quiet area |
| Stroudwater | South Durham | Convenient and close-knit community |
If you're drawn to the vibrant nightlife and bustling dining scene of Portland's Old Port, you'll feel right at home in Durham’s Brightleaf District, where eateries like The Rooftop offer panoramic views alongside a diverse menu. East Bayside's eclectic vibe, filled with breweries and artisanal shops, finds its counterpart in Central Park, home to Durham Central Park, which hosts food truck rodeos and music festivals. For those who appreciate the historic charm and greenery of the West End, Trinity Park in Durham offers not just historic homes but also proximity to places like Nasher Museum of Art, blending arts and culture seamlessly. If family-friendly neighborhoods like Deering Center appeal to you, Hope Valley will suit your need for suburban comfort with its well-tended gardens and community events. And don't miss out on experiencing Watts-Hillandale's similar charm to Munjoy Hill, perfect for a relaxing stroll with picturesque views.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Durham
Making the move from Portland, ME to Durham, NC presents a unique opportunity to experience a different climate, culture, and lifestyle. These charts aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, allowing you to consider all aspects and make an informed decision.
Portland, ME- Cold winters
- Higher cost of living
- Limited job market
- Small city feel
Durham, NC- Mild winters
- Affordable housing
- Diverse job opportunities
- Vibrant city life
Durham, NC- More inland
- Newer developments
- Higher traffic congestion
- Different culinary scene
Portland, ME- Coastal access
- Historic charm
- Low traffic
- Local seafood cuisine
Relocating from Portland, ME's picturesque coastal setting to Durham, NC offers the advantage of milder winters, which are perfect for exploring areas like Duke Gardens. While Portland is renowned for its local seafood at eateries like Eventide Oyster Co., Durham provides a diverse dining scene with options such as Mamak Asian Street Food. Though traffic might be more of an issue in Durham, the city compensates with vibrant cultural hotspots like the American Dance Festival. Additionally, the vibrant job market in Durham contrasts starkly with Portland's, opening up potential for new career paths.
Portland vs. Durham Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and reflects the essence of living in any area. If you're planning to move, understanding the local culinary scene is crucial. Here, we'll dive into a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, ME & Durham, NC to help you get a taste of what each city has to offer.
| Portland | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Lobster Roll | Barbecue |
| Most popular meat dish | Cider-brined Pork Chop | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Stuffed Acorn Squash | Vegan Barbecue |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
As you settle into Durham, you'll find a vibrant food scene where barbecue reigns supreme, especially in neighborhoods like Brightleaf Square and Ninth Street. Restaurants such as Dame's Chicken & Waffles are iconic establishments offering quintessential Southern comfort food that you simply must try. The city also boasts a surprisingly strong vegan scene, highlighted by venues offering delightful vegan barbecue options. Additionally, the food truck culture here is dynamic, offering diverse street food options with a particular emphasis on innovative tacos. Exploring these offerings will give you a taste of the culinary diversity and creativity that Durham has to offer.
Portland vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison
When moving from Portland, ME to Durham, NC, finding the right dining spots helps in settling down and making the new city feel like home. Use this comparison between Portland and Durham to discover eateries that could become your new favorites, ensuring a smoother culinary transition.
| Portland | Durham | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Fore Street | Grange | Known for farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients |
| Eventide Oyster Co. | Saltbox Seafood Joint | Renowned for its fresh and flavorful seafood |
| The Honey Paw | Banh's Cuisine | Celebrated for their innovative Asian-fusion dishes |
| Central Provisions | Mateo Bar de Tapas | Acclaimed for offering inventive small plates |
| Duckfat | OnlyBurger | Known for gourmet comfort fare, especially fries |
| Hot Suppa | Dame's Chicken & Waffles | Famed for their hearty Southern comfort food |
| Scales | Saint James Seafood | Offers exquisite waterfront-inspired dining |
| Rising Tide Brewing Company | Durty Bull Brewing Company | A haven for craft beer enthusiasts |
| Bite into Maine | Al's Burger Shack | Popular for serving mouthwatering sandwiches |
| DiMillo's on the Water | NanaSteak | Offers a blend of classic and contemporary steakhouse favorites |
The move from Portland to Durham need not mean bidding farewell to your penchant for excellent seafood. Venture into Saltbox Seafood Joint for a taste that strongly mirrors Portland’s famed Eventide Oyster Co., as both destinations excel in presenting fresh and flavorful seafood. If you're captivated by the farm-to-table ethos of Fore Street, you'll find a welcoming dining experience at Durham’s Grange, where locally sourced ingredients are celebrated. Those who relish the creative Asian-fusion dishes at The Honey Paw can indulge in a similar culinary adventure at Durham’s Banh's Cuisine. Whether it's savoring inventive tapas or artisanal comfort fare, there’s a place in Durham that captures the essence of your Portland favorites.
Ready to start your move?
Portland vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most critical aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how Portland and Durham compare in terms of housing costs , architecture, and lifestyle amenities to make an informed decision for your relocation.
| Comparison | Portland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian | Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listings | Decks, solar panels | Gardens, modern kitchens |
When considering a move, the lifestyle difference between Portland’s Victorian architecture and Durham’s Colonial homes might catch your eye. Portland’s elevated urban lifestyle offers a more walkable environment, making it easier to explore local attractions without a car. On the other hand, Durham shines in bikeability, which offers an alternative way to experience its charming neighborhoods. Portland's listings often include eco-friendly features like solar panels, while Durham frequently highlights sprawling gardens and updated modern kitchens, reflecting the city's unique appeal.
Portland vs. Durham Weather Considerations
Understanding the weather differences between Portland, ME and Durham, NC can help ease your transition when moving. You'll discover how factors like temperature, humidity, and natural conditions compare to ensure you're well-prepared for the new climate.
Portland, ME
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Portland, ME
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Portland, ME
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Portland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Heavy Snow, Nor'easters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Portland to Durham, you'll notice a distinct shift in climate. Summers in Durham are considerably warmer than Portland, with average highs reaching nearly 90°F, compared to Portland's comfortable mid-70s. Winters in Durham are milder as well, rarely dipping below freezing, which is a stark contrast to Portland's frigid winter temperatures. With slightly more sunny days, Durham allows for more outdoor activities year-round despite having a higher UV index requiring sun protection. The mild winters in Durham also mean less snow, but you'll need to be mindful of potential hurricanes during late summer and fall.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Portland to Durham
If you're moving from Portland, ME to Durham, NC , it's crucial to understand the financial landscape. This comparison will help you grasp how the cost of living and other economic factors differ between your current and future city. Understanding these differences will better prepare you for the financial adjustments required with the move.
| Comparison | Portland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $70,244 | $71,343 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.5 | 96.6 |
| State Income Tax | 7.15 | 5.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.30 | 0.84 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.50 | 7.50 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Tourism | Education, Research, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderate | Growing |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Minimal | Visible |
When relocating from Portland to Durham, you'll notice a significant change in the cost of living, with Durham being more affordable by a considerable margin. The lower property tax in Durham compared to Portland can save you a substantial amount annually. Although the average household income is higher in Portland, Durham's growing affluence and opportunities in education and research sectors present promising prospects. While sales tax is higher in Durham, the overall tax burden may be more favorable given the lower state income tax.
Portland vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, focusing on the politics between Portland & Durham . Understanding these aspects will help you settle easily in your new environment and appreciate the distinct characteristics of each city.
| Portland | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Progressive | Progressive with diverse viewpoints |
| Local Politics | City Government | City Council |
| Religion | Secular with some religious presence | Christianity predominates |
While both cities are known for their progressive political inclination, Durham offers a wider array of viewpoints due to its diverse population, presenting opportunities for engaging with different perspectives. In Portland, the local government focuses on sustainable city living, which you can learn more about through their City Government. Durham's governmental structure is overseen by its City Council, actively involved in community welfare, which you can explore further through the official website. Religion in Durham leans more towards Christianity, providing a distinctive cultural contrast to Portland's largely secular atmosphere.
Portland vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
To better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, this guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Durham . This comparison can help you prepare for the transition to your new city.
| Comparison | Portland | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Possible, but challenging | Challenging |
When transitioning from Portland to Durham, it's worth noting that while both cities offer unique commuting experiences, you'll likely notice a slightly higher traffic congestion in Durham. Portland's public transit, operated by Greater Portland METRO, tends to be more robust and accessible compared to Durham's offerings. That said, the reliance on a personal vehicle is more pronounced in Durham, where public transportation options might not be as comprehensive. While you can navigate Portland relatively well without a car, it becomes much more convenient having one in Durham.
Additional Resources
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