Best Durham to Ontario Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Durham to Ontario and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,600 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 Durham to Ontario 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 Durham compared to Ontario. 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 Durham to Ontario Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Durham to Ontario Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
4Antonio’s Moving Services LLC9.039.2Authorized For HHGContact
5Merit Moving Systems, Inc.9.038.65Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Durham to Ontario

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,600 miles from Durham, NC to Ontario, CA will cost on average $3,992 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Ontario move is roughly $9,649. 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$2,676300 ft³8.92
1 Bedroom$3,992450 ft³8.87
2 Bedrooms$6,616750 ft³8.82
3 Bedrooms$9,6491100 ft³8.77
4 Bedrooms$13,9551600 ft³8.72
5+ Bedrooms$15,6091800 ft³8.67
*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.
North Carolina iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

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

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Ontario 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
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
3
Antonio’s Moving Services LLC Logo

Antonio’s Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 489+ data points

Norco, CA, 92860

About Antonio’s Moving Services LLC

Established in 2014, Antonio's Moving Services LLC is a professional moving company that offers customizable residential and commercial moving services. Based...

Services

  • Unloading & Loading
  • Packing & Unpacking
  • On-site Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3853814 / 1542735

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved14,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Merit Moving Systems, Inc. Logo

Merit Moving Systems, Inc.

Superb9.03/10
based on 975+ data points

5655 Dolly Ave

Buena Park, CA, 90621

About Merit Moving Systems, Inc.

Since 1958, Merit Moving Systems has been a trusted name in the industry. It is a locally-owned business that has been...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • International moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1839600 / 934680

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved216,100 (2020)
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.

Durham vs. Ontario Neighborhood Comparison

Planning a move can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Ontario, CA, using your familiar Durham locales as a baseline. Discover Ontario neighborhoods that share the same vibe, amenities, and community feel as your old Durham favorites.

DurhamOntarioHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkCreeksideFamily-friendly, historic charms
Old West DurhamArchibald RanchCommunity-oriented, vibrant local scene
Hope ValleyEdisonUpscale, golf community vibes
WoodcroftSouth OntarioLush parks, active community
Watts-HillandaleHawthorneRich in parks, family-centric
American Tobacco DistrictDowntown OntarioVibrant nightlife, cultural hub
BrightleafGranadaEclectic dining, entertainment options
Ninth StreetEuclid AvenueBustling retail, diverse cuisine
Duke ParkDeer CreekQuiet, green spaces
Forest HillsArmstrongSpacious homes, tranquil setting

When you think of the historic and eclectic vibe of Brightleaf in Durham, with its array of shopping and dining experiences, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Ontario's Granada neighborhood, offering an eclectic dining scene and vibrant entertainment options. The lush, green expanses and active community life of Woodcroft closely match South Ontario's emphasis on outdoor activities and community engagement, making it a seamless transition for those valuing an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. Meanwhile, Trinity Park's family-friendly and historic milieu finds a counterpart in Ontario's Creekside, where the emphasis on community and preservation creates a welcoming environment for newcomers. These comparisons aim not just to ease your move but to help you rediscover the joys and comforts of neighborhood living in a brand new city.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Ontario

  • Explore Ontario Museum of History & Art
  • Attend events at Toyota Arena
  • Shop at Ontario Mills
  • Enjoy Cucamonga Peak hike
  • Visit Graber Olive House
  • Play at San Bernardino County Gardens
  • Relax at De Anza Park

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Ontario

Moving from one place to another is always a journey worth considering with a clear view of what lies ahead. This comparison between Durham, NC and Ontario, CA, is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of this relocation. By examining the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about your next chapter in life.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Lower walkability
Ontario, CA iconOntario, CA
  • Less humidity
  • Larger cultural diversity
  • More job opportunities
  • Higher walkability
Ontario, CA iconOntario, CA
  • More spread out
  • Less historic sites
  • More urban
  • Higher cost of living
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Close-knit community
  • Rich history
  • Lush green spaces
  • Lower cost of living

Moving from Durham to Ontario introduces you to a vibrant mix of cultures and opportunities. Ontario is celebrated for its significant job market, with tech and entertainment sectors offering numerous opportunities. The city's cultural diversity is evident in local gems such as the Museum of Ontario and the bustling Victoria Gardens, a sprawling open-air shopping center that hosts a variety of community events. Durham's lush, green nature can be somewhat matched in Ontario with parks like Cucamonga Creek Trail, offering scenic views and outdoor activities. However, you might find that the cost of living in Ontario is a key adjustment, with housing and day-to-day expenses often higher than in Durham. Understanding these nuances ensures you’re better prepared for your new surroundings.

Durham vs. Ontario Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC & Ontario, CA, two cities with distinct culinary scenes. Understanding the local food culture is vital as it’s an integral part of what it's like to live in an area. This comparison aims to give you a clearer idea of the food scene in your new city.

DurhamOntario
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQCalifornia Burrito
Most popular meat dishPulled porkCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Nana's
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • The Pit
  • Vince's Spaghetti
  • Rosa's Cafe
  • In-N-Out Burger
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring Durham and Ontario reveals distinct culinary landscapes shaped by their unique cultures and geographic locations. Durham, known for its Carolina-style BBQ and abundance of food trucks, offers a rich array of southern flavors with a modern twist. The city's iconic restaurants, like The Pit, showcase traditional dishes, boasting local ingredients and farm-to-table menus. Meanwhile, in Ontario, the Californian penchant for fresh, multi-culturally inspired dishes shines. The California burrito, integrating Mexican flavors with Californian ingredients, serves as a staple. Vegan options are plentiful, with establishments like Rosa's Cafe catering to health-conscious eaters. Both cities offer vibrant food scenes, but with different focal points reflecting their local heritage and lifestyle preferences.

Durham vs. Ontario Restaurant Comparison

Food is a pivotal aspect of establishing comfort in a new location. This guide aims to bridge the culinary transition from Durham, NC to Ontario, CA by comparing top restaurants, assisting in the discovery of new favorite eateries. Let the flavors of your old home guide you to the tastes of your new one.

DurhamOntarioWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasTapas & BeerAuthentic Spanish cuisine with a cozy vibe
Pizzeria ToroSan Biagio's New York Style PizzaClassic, thin-crust pizzas
Bull City Burger and BreweryLazy Dog Restaurant & BarBurgers with a unique twist and craft beer
Dame's Chicken & WafflesMaple House Chicken and WafflesSoul food with a sweet and savory blend
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenEuro CafeEuropean-inspired dishes and baked goods
Joe Van GoghKlatch CoffeeHigh-quality beans and roasting for coffee aficionados
Neomonde MediterraneanOlivia's Mexican RestaurantFresh, vibrant Mexican cuisine with a Mediterranean twist
NanaSteakThe Meat CellarHigh-end steaks and wines, perfect for a fancy night out
Elmo's DinerFlo's Airport CafeClassic diner experience, best for hearty breakfasts and lunches
Foster's MarketThe Grain Harvest BreadhouseArtisan breads and homemade café-style eats

For lovers of Spanish cuisine migrating from Durham to Ontario, the transition from Mateo Bar de Tapas to Tapas & Beer will be seamless, with both spots offering an array of authentic dishes in settings that encourage social dining. On the more casual side, the leap from Bull City Burger and Brewery to Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar offers a similar promise of quirky burgers paired with an excellent variety of craft beers, appealing to those who cherish a vibrant dining atmosphere. Sweet tooth and brunch enthusiasts will find comfort at Maple House Chicken and Waffles, which shares a kindred spirit with Dame's in Durham through its commitment to the iconic, soul-satisfying combination of chicken and waffles. Each establishment not only mirrors the culinary standards of its counterpart but also recreates a sense of community and warmth, essential for anyone finding their feet in a new city.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Ontario Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate between Durham, NC, and Ontario, CA is crucial to understanding how your lifestyle might change. This guide highlights key housing aspects to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonDurhamOntario
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and CraftsmanSpanish and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to universitiesProximity to Los Angeles, gated communities

The cost of living and housing in Ontario is notably higher than in Durham, reflecting in both the median home prices and rent. However, Ontario offers a more urban lifestyle with better walkability and bikeability scores, attributing to its denser, more urban character. Architecture styles significantly differ, with Durham favoring Colonial and Craftsman homes that often come with spacious yards. On the other hand, Ontario leans towards Spanish and modern designs, with many listings highlighting gated communities and the proximity to Los Angeles as key selling points. These differences underscore the varied lifestyles between the two cities, which could be a decisive factor in your move.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Ontario, CA

1. Liberty Village: This neighborhood offers a variety of off-leash areas and pet-friendly cafes, making it a perfect place for you and your furry friend.

2. The Beaches: With its spacious off-leash dog park along the beach and pet-friendly walking paths, The Beaches is an ideal spot for pet owners who love water activities.

3. High Park: Known for its large off-leash area and beautiful walking trails, High Park offers you and your pet plenty of space to explore and play.

Durham vs. Ontario Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Durham, NC to Ontario, CA, understanding the weather differences between these two locations is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust to what you're accustomed to in terms of climate, ensuring a smoother transition.

Summer icon
89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

94°F / 64°F

Ontario, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

68°F / 43°F

Ontario, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Durham, NC

15

Ontario, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

0

Ontario, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamOntario
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, StormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Durham typically enjoys a humid subtropical climate with moderate winters, Ontario experiences a semi-arid climate which results in hotter summers and mild winters with significantly more days of sunshine annually. The drastic difference in annual humidity levels - 70% in Durham compared to Ontario's 30-40% - makes Ontario's climate much drier. Also, it's vital to note the contrast in natural disaster risks; Durham faces hurricanes and storms, whereas Ontario is prone to earthquakes and wildfires. Adapting to these conditions will be an essential part of your relocation process.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from Durham, NC, to Ontario, CA, it's crucial to understand the financial implications of such a relocation. This comparison will highlight how the cost of living, taxation, and income in Durham stack up against Ontario, giving you a clearer picture of the economic landscape awaiting you.

ComparisonDurhamOntario
Avg. Household Income$71,343$73,872
Cost of Living Index96.6136.4
State Income Tax5.259.3
Avg. Property Tax0.850.72
Avg. Sales Tax7.58.0
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, TechnologyWarehousing, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate to High
PovertyModerateLow to Moderate
HomelessnessModerateHigh

When comparing Durham, NC, to Ontario, CA, one immediately notices the stark differences in cost of living and state income tax rates. For instance, Ontario's cost of living index sits significantly higher than Durham's, indicating you may find everyday expenses more burdensome. Similarly, California's higher state income tax could take a sizable bite from your paycheck compared to what you're accustomed to in North Carolina. Conversely, the average property tax rate in Ontario is somewhat lower, offering a slight fiscal reprieve. Understanding these financial nuances will help you navigate the economic transition between these two cities more effectively.

Durham vs. Ontario Political & Religious Comparison

Relocating from one city to another involves more than just a change of scenery; it's about adapting to a new community with its unique political and religious landscape. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the politics between Durham & Ontario and the religious makeup of the residents, helping you to familiarize yourself with what to expect in your new home.

DurhamOntario
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive city council initiativesFocus on business development and community services
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Christian presenceDiverse, with growing Muslim and Hindu communities

While both Durham, NC, and Ontario, CA, lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, you'll notice differences in local governance initiatives that reflect the distinct priorities of each city. Durham is known for its progressive city council, spearheading initiatives that often focus on social justice and inclusiveness. In contrast, Ontario's local government places a strong emphasis on business development and enhancing community services, aiming to stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life for its residents. The religious landscape in both cities is quite diverse, but you'll find a growing presence of Muslim and Hindu communities in Ontario, reflecting broader demographic changes and contributing to the city's rich multicultural tapestry.

Durham vs. Ontario Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Ontario, CA requires adjusting to different traffic and transportation options. This comparison allows future residents to better understand the daily commute and traffic life between Durham & Ontario.

ComparisonDurhamOntario
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2230
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possibly, with effortChallenging

When moving from Durham to Ontario, you'll likely notice an increased commute time due to higher levels of traffic congestion in Ontario. Although Durham offers a reasonable public transit system, with services like the GoDurham buses, residents in Ontario might find the OmniTrans services less extensive, impacting the feasibility of living there without a personal vehicle. The difference in traffic congestion rates between the two cities suggests a more consistent flow in Durham, whereas in Ontario, you might experience significantly heavier traffic, particularly during peak hours. Considering these factors will be crucial in planning your daily commute and understanding the mobility dynamics in your new city.

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