Best Durham to Huntington Beach Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Huntington Beach and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,620 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 Durham to Huntington Beach 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 RL Relocation), 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 Durham compared to Huntington Beach. 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 Durham to Huntington Beach Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1RL Relocation9.449.37Authorized For HHGContact
2Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
5Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc.8.788.88Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Durham to Huntington Beach

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,620 miles from Durham, NC to Huntington Beach, CA will cost on average $4,009 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Huntington Beach move is roughly $9,690. 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$2,688300 ft³8.96
1 Bedroom$4,009450 ft³8.91
2 Bedrooms$6,645750 ft³8.86
3 Bedrooms$9,6901100 ft³8.81
4 Bedrooms$14,0151600 ft³8.76
5+ Bedrooms$15,6771800 ft³8.71
*Please note: These North Carolina to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & California. 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 NC to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Huntington Beach to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Huntington Beach Movers

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

RL Relocation Logo

RL Relocation

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 867+ data points

Cornell Dr

Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

About RL Relocation

RL Relocation is a full-service moving company that has been in business for several years. Based in California, they offer local...

Services

  • Whole Home Moves
  • Local and Long Distance
  • Packing and Organizing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2984580 / 15998

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved159,984 (2022)
View Full Review
1
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
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
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
View Full Review
4
C

Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc.

Superb8.78/10
based on 455+ data points

3480 W Warner Ave suite h

Santa Ana, CA, 92704

About Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc.

Crystal Coast Moving Company Inc. is a family-owned and operated business located in Santa Ana, California, in the heart of Orange...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2721717 / 114564

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved48,000 (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.

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can feel daunting, particularly when transitioning to an unknown cityscape. To smooth this journey, this guide highlights a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Huntington Beach, CA. By aligning neighborhoods in Durham with their counterparts in Huntington Beach, we aim to help you find a slice of familiarity in your new beachside city.

DurhamHuntington BeachHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkLake ParkHistoric homes, community-focused
Old North DurhamDowntown HBVibrant nightlife, walkable
Forest HillsEdwards HillLarge homes, green spaces
Hope ValleySeacliffExclusive, golf course nearby
Watts-HillandaleOld TownQuaint, family-friendly
TreyburnBolsa ChicaSpacious, nature reserves close
RockwoodPark HuntingtonDiverse, near parks
WoodcroftSummerlaneModern, amenities-rich
Cleveland-HollowaySurfsideHistoric, beach proximity
American Tobacco DistrictPacific CityTrendy shops, urban feel

The transition from Durham's historic Trinity Park, known for its century-old homes and active community events, to Huntington Beach's Lake Park will feel seamless with both neighborhoods boasting a rich history and engaged communities. If evenings spent enjoying vibrant nightlife and eclectic eateries define your lifestyle in Old North Durham, downtown Huntington Beach (Downtown HB) will captivate you with similar offerings, such as Pacific City and local favorites like Duke's. Forest Hills residents will find a kindred spirit in Edwards Hill, where spacious homes and sweeping greenbelts echo the serene, verdant spaces back in Durham. For those accustomed to the exclusive atmosphere and sprawling estates of Hope Valley, the upscale Seacliff community provides an equivalent sense of luxury and prestige, complete with access to top-tier golfing at Seacliff Country Club.

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Things to Do in Huntington Beach

  • Surf at Huntington City Beach
  • Stroll down Main Street
  • Shop at Pacific City
  • Join a beach volleyball game
  • Visit the International Surfing Museum
  • Hike at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Huntington Beach

Making a move from Durham, NC, to Huntington Beach, CA, presents a unique chance to weigh the cons against the pros and vice versa, offering an honest reflection on transitioning between these two cities. This comparison is aimed at helping you consider all aspects of such relocation thoroughly.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Less beach access
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Regional cuisine
Huntington Beach, CA iconHuntington Beach, CA
  • Mild climate
  • Beach lifestyle
  • Larger city benefits
  • Diverse food scene
Huntington Beach, CA iconHuntington Beach, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less greenery
  • Competitive healthcare
  • Higher taxes
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Community feel
  • Lush green spaces
  • Accessible healthcare
  • Cultural diversity

Moving from Durham, NC, to Huntington Beach, CA, means exchanging the lush, green trails of West Point on the Eno for the sandy shores of Huntington City Beach. Although the cost of living in Huntington Beach is notably higher, it is offset by access to a diverse food scene with renowned establishments like Duke’s Huntington Beach, offering oceanfront dining experiences. Meanwhile, Durham’s community-centric neighborhoods and accessible healthcare options, courtesy of the well-regarded Duke University Health System, give it a charm that Irvine’s competitive healthcare scene might not capture. However, the move introduces you to a lifestyle where outdoor living is year-round, thanks to Huntington Beach's mild climate, something Durham's distinct seasons and higher humidity levels can’t offer.

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Huntington Beach illuminates the diverse and flavorful food scenes in both cities. Food not only satisfies hunger but also serves as a rich part of local culture, reflecting what life is like in these vibrant communities. Let’s delve into the culinary landscapes to help you get acquainted with your new home.

DurhamHuntington Beach
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BBQFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkGrilled Seafood
Most popular street food itemHot DogsBaja-style fish tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAcai bowls
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Nana's Restaurant
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Sancho's Tacos
  • The Surfing Spoon
  • Duke's Huntington Beach
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Durham, you'll find a rich BBQ culture exemplified by spots like Nana's Restaurant, where Southern comfort food rules the menu. Over in Huntington Beach, the coastal cuisine shines through with establishments like Sancho's Tacos, offering famously fresh Baja-style fish tacos. Huntington Beach's commitment to fresh, health-conscious eating is evident in the popularity of acai bowls and the array of vegan options, such as those found at The Surfing Spoon. Both cities foster a vibrant food scene, but Huntington Beach’s beach lifestyle gives it a unique twist, emphasized by high health and vegan-friendly ratings.

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making an area feel like home, and as you transition from Durham, NC, to Huntington Beach, CA, finding new favorite eateries is essential. This restaurant comparison will help guide someone moving from Durham to Huntington Beach by mirroring their dining preferences with analogous spots.

DurhamHuntington BeachWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasCha Cha's Latin KitchenLatin-inspired cuisine, lively atmosphere.
Pizzeria ToroNorth ItaliaHandcrafted pizza with a modern Italian twist.
NanaSteakThe Black Trumpet BistroUpscale dining with international flair.
Dame's Chicken & WafflesBruxieUnique takes on chicken & waffles, casual setting.
Jack Tar and the Colonel's DaughterSimmzy'sPub grub with a creative touch, vibrant environment.
Alley Twenty SixWatertableSophisticated bar with an extensive drink menu.
Joe Van GoghPhilz CoffeeUnique coffee blends in a cozy setup.
Bar VirgilePacific CityDiverse dining options, oceanfront location.
Bull City Burger and BrewerySlapfishModern seafood in a laid-back atmosphere.
Durham Food HallLOT 579Food hall experience near the beach, variety of options.

When the craving for diverse and flavorful dining hits, Huntington Beach stands ready to cater to all taste buds with establishments that mirror some of Durham's best dining experiences. For example, Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen mirrors Mateo Bar de Tapas with its Latin-inspired dishes, while North Italia’s handcrafted pizzas and Italian innovations offer a reminiscent feel of Pizzeria Toro's specialty in pizza. On coffee aficionado mornings, Philz Coffee in Huntington Beach echoes Joe Van Gogh's unique coffee blends and warm ambiance. Furthermore, LOT 579's food hall concept introduces you to a plethora of taste adventures near the beach, akin to the eclectic offerings the Durham Food Hall presents. These transitions provide comforting continuities in your gastronomical journey from Durham to Huntington Beach, ensuring your new home will also be a culinary adventure.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate differences between Durham and Huntington Beach is essential. This comparison sheds light on vital housing aspects such as cost and lifestyle, pivotal in crafting your moving decision.

ComparisonDurhamHuntington Beach
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanModern, Spanish
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to universitiesBeach access, outdoor living spaces

The stark contrast in Median Home Prices and Rent reflects the significantly higher cost of living in Huntington Beach compared to Durham. Additionally, the architectural styles are notably different, with Durham featuring more traditional homes while Huntington Beach leans towards modern and Spanish influences, often highlighted by beach access in real estate listings. The Walkability and Bikeability scores also indicate Huntington Beach's emphasis on outdoor living, aligning with its urban lifestyle score of 9. Considering these factors, it's clear that while Huntington Beach offers a vibrant, outdoor-centric lifestyle, it comes at a higher cost, contrasting Durham’s more affordable, yet less walkable and bikeable living environment.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Huntington Beach, CA

1. SeaCliff : This neighborhood is renowned for its spacious parks and dog-friendly beaches, allowing your pet ample space to play and socialize. Check out the Dog Beach for some off-leash fun in the sand and surf.

2. Downtown Huntington Beach : With its pet-friendly patios at many restaurants and cafes, it's a great place for you and your furry friend to dine together. The Pacific City shopping center even welcomes dogs, making for a perfect day out.

3. Huntington Harbour : This neighborhood offers tranquil walks and stunning views, ideal for leisurely strolls with your pet. The Huntington Harbour Mall has several pet-friendly stores and services, ensuring your pet is always welcome.

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Weather Considerations

When moving from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the climates contrast to prepare adequately. This comparison highlights the differences between Durham's warm, humid summers and mild winters versus Huntington Beach's balmy, sunny climate, ensuring you know what to expect weather-wise.

Summer icon
89/70

Durham, NC

77/65

Huntington Beach, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/32

Durham, NC

68/47

Huntington Beach, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Durham, NC

13

Huntington Beach, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

0

Huntington Beach, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamHuntington Beach
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Relocating from Durham to Huntington Beach introduces you to a milder, more consistent climate with significantly more sunny days a year and lower humidity but a higher UV index. This change means adapting your wardrobe and outdoor activity plans. Additionally, the drastic differences in natural disaster risks, from hurricanes and tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires, require you to prepare for new emergencies. This contrast ensures that your move isn't just a change of scenery but a whole new way of living with the weather.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, comparing the financial landscapes of your current and future homes is crucial. This comparison helps you anticipate changes in expenses and lifestyle. Our chart below precisely outlines how moving from Durham, NC to Huntington Beach, CA will affect your finances, encompassing income, taxes, and the overall cost of living.

ComparisonDurhamHuntington Beach
Avg. Household Income$71,343$107,808
Cost of Living Index96.6136.4
State Income Tax5.259.3
Avg. Property Tax0.840.72
Avg. Sales Tax6.757.75
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, TechnologyTechnology, Tourism, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerLower
HomelessnessModerateHigh

Moving from Durham, NC to Huntington Beach, CA, you'll notice significant changes, particularly in your expenses. While the average household income in Huntington Beach is significantly higher, the cost of living index more than doubles, indicating that your day-to-day expenses could be much more than you're used to in Durham. Additionally, the state income tax and sales tax rates are higher in California, affecting your net income and spending power. However, the move could present new opportunities in thriving industries such as technology and tourism. Considering these financial aspects before your move is imperative to ensure a smooth transition to your new California lifestyle.

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Political & Religious Comparison

In this portion, we aim to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot highlighting the differences in politics between Durham, NC & Huntington Beach, CA, along with an overview of the religious landscape. This side-by-side comparison is designed to give you a clearer picture of the community vibe you're moving from and into.

DurhamHuntington Beach
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsProgressiveConservative
ReligionVaried, with significant Christian presenceVaried, with significant Christian presence

When moving from Durham to Huntington Beach, you'll notice a shift not only in scenery but in the political and social climate as well. Durham is known for its progressive leanings, with local politics often reflecting liberal viewpoints. This is contrasted by Huntington Beach, which has a reputation for being more conservative, especially in its local governance and public policies. Both cities, however, share a diverse religious landscape, with Christianity being a significant presence. This diversity may offer comfort as you transition between these two unique communities.

Durham vs. Huntington Beach Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Huntington Beach, CA requires understanding the differences in the daily commute and traffic patterns. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Huntington Beach will help you adapt to your new environment more easily.

ComparisonDurhamHuntington Beach
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2230
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultModerately Easy

When comparing the transit experiences between Durham and Huntington Beach, you'll notice significant differences. Durham, with its lower traffic congestion score, presents a smoother driving environment but offers limited public transit options, making it challenging to get by without a car. Conversely, Huntington Beach experiences higher traffic congestion but benefits from more accessible public transit, giving you more flexibility in how you travel. The average commute time in Huntington Beach is longer, reflecting its busier roads but also its wider range of transportation options. Adjusting to how you navigate your new city will be an essential step in making Huntington Beach feel like home.

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