Best Durham to Santa Rosa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Santa Rosa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,887 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 28 Durham to Santa Rosa 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), 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 Durham compared to Santa Rosa. 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 Santa Rosa Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
3Celis Movers9.379.32Authorized 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 Santa Rosa

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,887 miles from Durham, NC to Santa Rosa, CA will cost on average $4,236 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Santa Rosa move is roughly $10,245. 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$2,839300 ft³9.46
1 Bedroom$4,236450 ft³9.41
2 Bedrooms$7,023750 ft³9.36
3 Bedrooms$10,2451100 ft³9.31
4 Bedrooms$14,8221600 ft³9.26
5+ Bedrooms$16,5851800 ft³9.21
*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 Santa Rosa to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Santa Rosa Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (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
Celis Movers Logo

Celis Movers

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,982+ data points

601 Petaluma Blvd N C

Petaluma, CA, 94952

About Celis Movers

Celis Movers is a family-owned Petaluma business committed to providing quality moves that don’t break the bank. For over 30 years,...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Nationwide moving services
  • Strategic warehousing locations

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2594954 / 921948

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved95,000 (2023)
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. Santa Rosa Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating from one city to another, it's helpful to find familiar community vibes to make the transition smoother. In this guide, we aim to familiarize you with the unknown by comparing local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Santa Rosa, CA . We'll identify top neighborhoods in Durham and find their closest equivalents in Santa Rosa, providing you with a comfortable starting point in your new city.

DurhamSanta RosaHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkMcDonald Historic DistrictHistoric homes, lush parks
Old West DurhamWest End Santa RosaVibrant community, local eats
Hope ValleyBennett ValleyGolf courses, family-friendly
Downtown DurhamDowntown Santa RosaUrban center, arts scene
American Tobacco DistrictRailroad SquareHistoric area, artisanal shops
Duke ParkJuilliard ParkCommunity activities, green spaces
Forest HillsMontecito HeightsUpscale, expansive homes
Sarah P. Duke GardensLuther Burbank Home & GardensBeautiful gardens, historic
RockwoodAnnadel HeightsNature reserves, hiking trails
Brightleaf SquareMontgomery VillageShopping, local dining

If you're captivated by the community-centric spirit of Old West Durham, with its unique blend of local eateries and cozy nooks, you'll find similarly vibrant vibes in West End Santa Rosa, bustling with local cafés and artisanal shops. For those drawn to the lush, expansive greenery of Duke Park, Juilliard Park in Santa Rosa offers an array of community events and serene spaces perfect for picnics or leisurely afternoons. And if you've enjoyed the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants at Brightleaf Square, Montgomery Village will not disappoint, offering a variety of shopping options and charming local dining spots surrounded by scenic beauty, making it an ideal locale for both leisure and exploration in your new city.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Santa Rosa

Moving from Durham, NC to Santa Rosa, CA involves weighing various factors to ensure a smooth transition. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation from Durham, NC to Santa Rosa, CA , helping you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Lesser dining variety
  • Smaller tech market
  • Fewer outdoor activities
Santa Rosa, CA iconSanta Rosa, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Greater culinary scene
  • Larger tech industry
  • More outdoor options
Santa Rosa, CA iconSanta Rosa, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Less historical depth
  • More spread out
  • Heavier traffic
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Rich cultural history
  • Community vibe
  • Easier traffic

Moving to Santa Rosa brings you closer to a robust culinary scene, where establishments like The Tipsy Boar and Russian River Brewing Company offer unique dining experiences that highlight local ingredients and brews. The milder climate and diversified natural landscapes make outdoor activities like hiking in Annadel State Park or biking through Sonoma County's vineyards not only possible but pleasant year-round. On the other hand, Durham’s rich cultural history and vibrant community vibe, characterized by events at the Durham Performing Arts Center and outings in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, offer a sense of belonging that is deeply woven into the city's fabric. Each city offers distinctive advantages, from the slower pace and community-focused lifestyle of Durham to Santa Rosa's expansive outdoor and culinary offerings, making the choice deeply personal based on individual preferences and priorities.

Durham vs. Santa Rosa Food Guide

Food is an essential aspect of local culture and plays a significant role in what it's like to live in an area. Through this guide, we're offering a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Santa Rosa to help you become better acquainted with the food scene in your new home.

DurhamSanta Rosa
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQWine Country cuisine
Most popular meat dishPulled porkGrass-fed steak
Most popular street food itemFood truck tacosArtisanal hot dogs
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruit sandwichesQuinoa stuffed peppers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • Poole's Diner
    • Nana's Restaurant
    • Saltbox Seafood Joint
    • Willowside Cafe
    • Stark's Steak & Seafood
    • Farmhouse Inn Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Durham to Santa Rosa, you'll find yourself transitioning from the hearty, smoky flavors of Carolina-style BBQ and pulled pork to the refined tastes of Wine Country cuisine, including locally-sourced grass-fed steaks. Durham's vibrant, diverse food truck scene featuring popular items like food truck tacos gives way to Santa Rosa's artisanal hot dogs and a strong emphasis on locally-grown produce, as seen in dishes like quinoa stuffed peppers. In Santa Rosa, you'll come across neighborhoods such as Railroad Square and the Russian River Valley, which are hubs for gourmet dining, showcasing the area's commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative food experiences. Notable restaurants like Stark's Steak & Seafood and the Farmhouse Inn Restaurant highlight the region's culinary prowess. Whether you're exploring the downtown streets or the winding roads of wine country, Santa Rosa offers a dynamic and sophisticated food scene that invites both connoisseurs and casual diners to indulge in its richness.

Durham vs. Santa Rosa Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison between Durham, NC, and Santa Rosa, CA , aims to help you find your new favorite spots by drawing parallels to the eateries you already love. Whether it's high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic dishes, this guide will be your culinary compass in making Santa Rosa feel like home.

DurhamSanta RosaWhat You'll Love
Pizzeria ToroRosso Pizzeria & Wine BarBoth are known for their wood-fired pizzas and a great wine selection.
Mateo Bar de TapasWilli's Wine BarTapas-style dining with an extensive wine list evoking Mateo's Spanish flavors.
Bull City Burger and BreweryRussian River Brewing CompanyOffers craft burgers and beers in a laid-back atmosphere, mirroring Bull City's vibe.
Guglhupf Bakery, Café & BiergartenSchulz Bräu BrewingAlthough more focused on beers, it offers a German-inspired setting and food options, akin to Guglhupf.
NanaSteakStark's Steak & SeafoodClassic steakhouse experience with a touch of local flavor, much like NanaSteak.
DashiRamen GaijinBoth restaurants specialize in authentic ramen with a focus on high-quality ingredients and broth.
Toast PaninotecaAcre PizzaDelivers unique, pie-style pizzas that reflect Toast's innovative and casual sandwich artistry.
The ParlourNoble Folk Ice Cream and Pie BarBoth are dessert-centric locales with a keen focus on artisanal, handcrafted treats.
M SushiHaku SushiServes up a contemporary sushi experience, emphasizing freshness and creativity like M Sushi.
Elmo's DinerHank's Creekside CafeBoth offer a comforting, homestyle diner experience perfect for any meal of the day.

When you move from Durham to Santa Rosa, you might find yourself yearning for the familiar tastes you've grown to love. Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar will be your go-to for a slice that brings back memories of Pizzeria Toro's wood-fired pies and the curated wine selection that perfectly complements your meal. For those who revel in the craft of beer and burgers, Russian River Brewing Company mirrors the laid-back vibe and artisanal approach of Bull City Burger and Brewery. And when a craving for authentic ramen hits, Ramen Gaijin promises an experience as rich and fulfilling as a bowl from Dashi, making your transition to Santa Rosa a journey filled with memorable flavors and new favorites.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Santa Rosa Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know how the two cities compare. This comparison will illuminate the differences and similarities in housing between Durham, NC, and Santa Rosa, CA, focusing on factors like cost, architecture, walkability, and more.

ComparisonDurhamSanta Rosa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalRanch Style
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge Yards, Spacious KitchensWine Country Proximity, Eco-friendly Features

When comparing Durham and Santa Rosa, you'll find that the cost of housing significantly differs, with Santa Rosa's median home price and rent being considerably higher. However, this higher cost comes with unique benefits like proximity to California's renowned Sonoma County Wine Country and a greater emphasis on eco-friendly living. Durham boasts larger yards and more Colonial-style homes, catering to those who appreciate traditional aesthetics and spacious indoor-outdoor living spaces. Santa Rosa, on the other hand, offers a more urban lifestyle with its Ranch-style homes, reflecting California's trendy and laid-back atmosphere. Both cities have their charms and challenges, but understanding these nuances can help you make a more informed decision when planning your move.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, CA

1. Montgomery Village: With its numerous pathways and the nearby Howarth Park, your furry friends will enjoy countless hours of outdoor activity and socializing.

2. Oakmont: This neighborhood is known for its hiking club and proximity to Annadel State Park, offering expansive areas for you and your pets to explore the great outdoors together.

3. Bennett Valley: Home to the Galvin Community Park, which features a dedicated dog park where your pets can run free and socialize with other dogs in a safe and friendly environment.

Durham vs. Santa Rosa Weather Considerations

Moving between cities involves adapting to new environments, especially the climate. Understanding how the weather in Durham, NC compares with Santa Rosa, CA clarifies what to expect. This insight prepares you for temperature variations, seasonal changes, and potential natural disasters, enhancing your relocation experience.

Summer icon
89/71

Durham, NC

82/52

Santa Rosa, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Durham, NC

60/40

Santa Rosa, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Durham, NC

36

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

0

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

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

While both Durham and Santa Rosa offer pleasant climates, they come with distinct seasonal variations and challenges. For instance, Durham experiences a higher Average Summer High but faces fewer days of sunshine compared to the sunny, mild climate of Santa Rosa. Moreover, natural disaster risks shift from hurricanes and tornadoes in Durham to earthquakes and wildfires in Santa Rosa. Another consideration is the air quality, which tends to be better in Santa Rosa, complementing its more favorable weather conditions for those with respiratory concerns or outdoor lifestyles. Understanding these differences is crucial for a smooth transition and adapting your lifestyle accordingly.

Ready to start your move?

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

When relocating, it's pivotal to grasp how your finances might be influenced. Your relocation journey from Durham, NC to Santa Rosa, CA compels a thorough comparison of costs and economic conditions to align with what you've been accustomed to. This guide serves as a beacon in navigating these financial waters, ensuring a smooth transition.

ComparisonDurhamSanta Rosa
Avg. Household Income$71,343$86,459
Cost of Living Index96.6136.4
State Income Tax5.2513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.860.77
Avg. Sales Tax7.58.75
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, BiotechWine Production, Tourism, Healthcare
AffluenceStableHigher
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessConcerningSignificant

Moving from Durham to Santa Rosa, you'll notice right away the sharper cost of living in California. This is particularly evident in the cost of living index, where Santa Rosa scores significantly higher, implying more expensive day-to-day expenses. Yet, the average household income in Santa Rosa is also higher, which may help offset some of the increased costs. Taxes are another area with noticeable differences—California's state income tax is considerably higher than North Carolina's. Understanding the economic landscape, including the dominant industries, can provide insight into job opportunities and the overall financial ecosystem you're entering. While both cities have their own unique financial characteristics, preparing for these differences can make your transition smoother.

Durham vs. Santa Rosa Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to our guide for those planning a move from Durham, NC to Santa Rosa, CA. Here, we provide a quick comparison to familiarize you with the political and religious makeup of residents between Durham & Santa Rosa, giving you a better understanding of what to expect from your new community.

DurhamSanta Rosa
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive on social issuesEnvironmentally focused initiatives
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious practicesLess religiously diverse, with a significant "none" population

While both Durham and Santa Rosa lean Democratic politically, their local politics showcase distinct priorities. Durham's progressive stance on social issues reflects its diverse population and vibrant community. Santa Rosa, in contrast, emphasizes environmentally focused initiatives, a reflection of California's overall environmental consciousness. Religion in Durham shows a broader diversity with Christianity being predominant, but inclusive of other faiths, indicating a multicultural environment. Santa Rosa presents a less religiously diverse scene, with a notable percentage of the population identifying with no religion, which might be reflective of the broader West Coast culture. Understanding these nuances offers a deeper insight into the character and values of your new home.

Durham vs. Santa Rosa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Durham, NC, and Santa Rosa, CA. Moving from one city to another can be a significant adjustment, particularly when it comes to getting around. Whether you're driving to work, running errands, or exploring what your new home has to offer, knowing what to expect on the roads and with public transit can make the transition smoother.

ComparisonDurhamSanta Rosa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingModerately feasible

In Durham, you might find yourself more dependent on a car, given the lower public transit scores. However, the city compensates with slightly less traffic congestion compared to Santa Rosa. Meanwhile, in Santa Rosa, the higher public transportation rating reflects better availability and convenience, making it moderately feasible to get around without a car. Both cities showcase a significant contrast in commuting habits, reflective of their differing infrastructure and urban planning approaches. For those considering daily routines, these distinctions could play a pivotal role in deciding how to navigate your new surroundings efficiently.

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