Best Durham to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,585 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 Durham to Riverside 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 Pure Moving), 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 Riverside. 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 Riverside Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
3Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
4Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
5Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Durham to Riverside

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,585 miles from Durham, NC to Riverside, CA will cost on average $3,979 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Riverside move is roughly $9,618. 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$2,668300 ft³8.89
1 Bedroom$3,979450 ft³8.84
2 Bedrooms$6,595750 ft³8.79
3 Bedrooms$9,6181100 ft³8.74
4 Bedrooms$13,9091600 ft³8.69
5+ Bedrooms$15,5581800 ft³8.64
*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 Riverside to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Riverside Movers

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

Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (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
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
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. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can feel like stepping into a whole different world. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Riverside, CA. This comparison aims to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home by using what you already love about your current city as a baseline.

DurhamRiversideHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkWood StreetsHistoric charm, community focus
American Tobacco DistrictDowntown RiversideCultural hub, historic sites
Old West DurhamCanyon CrestFamily-friendly, with a mix of old and new homes
Warehouse DistrictArlingtonDiverse, vibrant community with unique shops
Hope ValleyAlessandro HeightsUpscale, large properties
RockwoodOrangecrestThriving suburban community
BrightleafHawarden HillsBlend of urban and suburban, with nightlife close by
Duke ParkVictoriaHistoric homes, active community
Forest HillsLa Sierra AcresMix of suburban and rural, spacious yards
Ninth StreetUniversityAcademic vibe, bustling with students and cafes

For those who adore the historic character and leafy avenues of Trinity Park in Durham, the Wood Streets neighborhood in Riverside offers a similar charm with its vintage homes and tight-knit community atmosphere. The American Tobacco District's lively blend of entertainment, dining, and arts finds its counterpart in Downtown Riverside, where the Mission Inn and the Fox Performing Arts Center are at the heart of cultural activities. If the family-friendly vibe and eclectic mix of homes in Old West Durham appeal to you, Canyon Crest in Riverside provides a similar feel with a blend of traditional and modern homes set amongst rolling hills and natural beauty. Finally, for those drawn to the boutique shops and trendy spots of Durham's Ninth Street, Riverside's University neighborhood provides a bustling atmosphere fueled by the young and academic population, flanked by unique cafes like Back to the Grind and cultural institutions.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Riverside

Moving from one city to another presents its own set of challenges and advantages. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad aspects of relocating from Durham, NC to Riverside, CA , helping you make an informed decision. By assessing both the cons and pros tied to each location, you will gain a balanced perspective on what this move entails.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller tech hub
  • Higher humidity
  • Less diversity
  • fewer outdoor options
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Larger tech industry
  • Lower humidity
  • More cultural diversity
  • Vast outdoor activities
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Less historical sites
  • Higher living costs
  • Less communal vibe
  • Less green spaces
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Rich cultural history
  • More affordable housing
  • Close-knit community feel
  • Abundance of greenery

While Raleigh boasts a rich cultural history, Riverside counters with a more diverse cultural scene. Places like the Riverside Metropolitan Museum offer insights into the local history and culture not found in many other cities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Riverside presents a myriad of options such as the expansive Mount Rubidoux Park, a popular destination for hiking and outdoor events, overshadowing the fewer outdoor options back in Durham. Meanwhile, the vibrant tech industry in Riverside offers vast opportunities for professionals compared to Durham. Despite the higher living costs in Riverside, its vast outdoor activities, cultural diversity, and economic opportunities present compelling reasons for the move. However, it's important to weigh these against the close-knit community feel and the greenery that Durham offers.

Durham vs. Riverside Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC, and Riverside, CA, demonstrating how food reflects local culture and what living in these areas might taste like. By examining their culinary scenes, you can be better prepared for what awaits your palate upon moving.

DurhamRiverside
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQInland Empire Burritos
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Fullsteam Brewery
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • The Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar
  • Tio's Tacos
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Durham, NC to Riverside, CA, you're transitioning from the sweet, smoky flavors of Carolina-style BBQ and a fondness for pulled pork, to the fresh, spicy taste of Carne Asada and a variety of tacos representative of Riverside's vibrant Mexican cuisine. Durham's food truck scene and its eclectic, vegan-friendly options, including BBQ Jackfruit, will contrast with Riverside's slightly healthier and more fitness-conscious community that loves its Avocado Toast. In Riverside, you'll find iconic eateries like The Mission Inn Restaurant and Tio's Tacos in historic downtown, creating a unique blend of local and international flavors that highlight the city's diverse food scene.

Durham vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Finding your culinary haven in a new city can make all the difference when it comes to feeling at home. To ease the transition from Durham, NC to Riverside, CA, we've created a comparison chart that highlights top restaurants in Durham, NC, and their Riverside, CA equivalents, helping you find your new favorite eateries.

DurhamRiversideWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasCafé SevillaA variety of Spanish tapas
Pizzeria ToroWoodfire CafeArtisanal wood-fired pizzas
NanaSteakMarket BroilerUpscale steak and seafood offerings
Foster’s MarketCanyon CrustCasual, charming eatery with a diverse menu
Elmo’s DinerSimple Simon'sIconic diner comfort food
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenBread & BarleyEuropean-style bakery and café
Scratch Kitchen & TaproomSalt+SmokeFarm-to-table concept with craft beers
Bull City Burger and BreweryHeroes Restaurant & BreweryCraft beer and hearty burgers
Allegra's CafeMolinos CoffeeCozy place with a unique vibe
Counting HouseThe Salted PigGastropub with a commitment to local fare

Exploring the Riverside food scene brings with it the promise of discovering establishments that evoke the same enjoyment and satisfaction that Durham favorites provided. For instance, Café Sevilla in Riverside carries the torch for Mateo Bar de Tapas with its diverse array of Spanish dishes and lively atmosphere. Another comparison lies between Pizzeria Toro and Riverside's Woodfire Cafe, where the dedication to crafting exceptional, wood-fired pizzas rings loud and true. If your comfort zone includes the indulgent flavors of a good steak, transitioning from NanaSteak to Market Broiler will be seamless, offering an upscale ambience along with a seafood twist. These comparisons are just the beginning of your culinary journey in Riverside, promising rich flavors and memorable dining experiences that mirror the diverse Durham food scene.

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Durham vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison between Durham, NC and Riverside, CA spotlights key housing metrics to inform your decision. It looks at costs, style, and livability, illuminating how these two cities stack up against each other.

ComparisonDurhamRiverside
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialSpanish Mission, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGreen spaces, proximity to research universitiesMountain views, historic districts

Moving from Durham, NC to Riverside, CA offers a significant shift in both the cost and style of available housing. In Riverside, you can expect a higher median home price and rent, which reflects California's overall higher cost of living. The prominent architecture styles also shift from Durham's classic Craftsman and Colonial homes to Riverside's distinct Spanish Mission and Ranch styles, echoing the rich history and cultural landscape of Southern California. Riverside's higher urban lifestyle score suggests a more vibrant city life with a somewhat better bikeability score, indicating the presence of bike-friendly infrastructure compared to Durham. These differences highlight the varied lifestyles between the two cities, with Riverside offering a unique blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience wrapped in historic charm.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Downtown Riverside: Known for its welcoming environment, Downtown Riverside boasts multiple dog-friendly establishments like Lakeside to Brambles, a specialized pet spa that offers grooming, therapy, and consultation services for your furry friends.

2. Wood Streets: This neighborhood is perfect for those who love to take regular strolls with their pets, thanks to its peaceful streets, beautiful architecture, and Wood Streets Green Team's community garden that includes dog-friendly spaces.

3. Canyon Crest: Canyon Crest stands out with its City of Riverside parks and recreational facilities such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, known for pet-friendly walking paths and trails where you can enjoy outdoor activities with your pets.

Durham vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Durham, NC, to Riverside, CA, it is crucial to understand how the weather varies between these locations. Comparing the climate differences helps you prepare for the changes you'll experience. This guide highlights Durham vs. Riverside weather conditions to ease your transition.

Summer icon
89/71

Durham, NC

95/64

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Durham, NC

68/43

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Durham, NC

12

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

0

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

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

Moving to Riverside from Durham will introduce you to a sunnier and drier climate. You'll enjoy more days of sunshine annually in Riverside, which boasts about 277 sunny days compared to Durham's 213. However, it's essential to prepare for Riverside's hotter summers and milder winters, as well as its lower humidity levels that can affect everything from your skin to how you manage your home's air quality. Interestingly, despite the vivid difference in humidity and temperature, both cities have their challenges with seasonal allergies due to different types of pollen and air quality issues.

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

When planning a move from Durham, NC, to Riverside, CA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison highlights key monetary factors that will impact your life in these locations. This chart is designed to offer insights into how the cost of living, taxes, and economic conditions in Durham and Riverside might affect your budget and lifestyle choices.

ComparisonDurhamRiverside
Avg. Household Income$71,343$76,558
Cost of Living Index96.6112.5
State Income Tax5.2513.3 (max rate)
Avg. Property Tax0.860.79
Avg. Sales Tax7.58.75
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, ManufacturingManufacturing, Retail, Health Services
AffluenceModestHigher
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessVisibleSignificant

While Durham presents a more modest living cost, moving to Riverside could see an increase in your expenses due to its higher cost of living index. However, the average household income in Riverside is also notably higher, potentially offsetting some of these increased costs. The stark difference in state income tax rates, with California's maximum rate at 13.3%, compared to North Carolina's flat rate of 5.25%, is something to consider when planning your finances. Additionally, while both cities boast diverse economies, the prominence of manufacturing in Riverside hints at the city's industrial strength. Lastly, despite affluence being described as higher in Riverside, both cities face moderate to significant challenges related to poverty and homelessness, reflecting broader national trends.

Durham vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Durham & Riverside offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. Understanding these differences will help you grasp the social climate you're moving into.

DurhamRiverside
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Conservative
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesBalanced approach
ReligionDiverse, with a strong Baptist presenceDiverse, significant Catholic population

While both Durham and Riverside boast a diverse demographic, their political and religious landscapes differ notably. Durham leans more towards liberal and democratic values, often enacting progressive policies that reflect its community's ideologies. On the other hand, Riverside presents a more balanced political atmosphere, neither strongly liberal nor conservative, with local politics taking a more moderate stance. Religious makeup in Durham has a historic Baptist presence, symbolizing its deep roots in traditional protestant values. Conversely, Riverside showcases a significant Catholic population among its religious communities, mirroring California's broader religious landscape. Both cities celebrate diversity, yet their unique social fabrics are woven from different threads.

Durham vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Riverside, CA significantly changes your daily commute and traffic experience. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Riverside will prepare you for what lies ahead, ensuring a smoother transition in your daily travels.

ComparisonDurhamRiverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2230
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, but challengingNo, it's difficult

In Durham, the average commute time is quite reasonable, allowing for a less stressful start to your day compared to Riverside, where the commute is longer due to higher traffic congestion. While both cities have public transit options, their efficiency and reach might not meet the needs of all residents. In Durham, it's somewhat possible to get by without a car if you plan your travels carefully and live in a well-connected area. In contrast, Riverside’s layout and public transit limitations make it challenging to rely solely on public transport, emphasizing the need for a personal vehicle to navigate the city efficiently.

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