Best Durham to Santa Rosa Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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.

Best Durham to Santa Rosa Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
3 | Celis Movers | 9.37 | 9.32 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,839 | 300 ft³ | 9.46 |
1 Bedroom | $4,236 | 450 ft³ | 9.41 |
2 Bedrooms | $7,023 | 750 ft³ | 9.36 |
3 Bedrooms | $10,245 | 1100 ft³ | 9.31 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,822 | 1600 ft³ | 9.26 |
5+ Bedrooms | $16,585 | 1800 ft³ | 9.21 |


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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |

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 | - |

Celis Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2594954 / 921948 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 95,000 (2023) |

Athens Moving Experts

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
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) |

Capital Moving & Storage
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3623752 / 1238777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,504 (2023) |

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.
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.
Durham | Santa Rosa | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Trinity Park | McDonald Historic District | Historic homes, lush parks |
Old West Durham | West End Santa Rosa | Vibrant community, local eats |
Hope Valley | Bennett Valley | Golf courses, family-friendly |
Downtown Durham | Downtown Santa Rosa | Urban center, arts scene |
American Tobacco District | Railroad Square | Historic area, artisanal shops |
Duke Park | Juilliard Park | Community activities, green spaces |
Forest Hills | Montecito Heights | Upscale, expansive homes |
Sarah P. Duke Gardens | Luther Burbank Home & Gardens | Beautiful gardens, historic |
Rockwood | Annadel Heights | Nature reserves, hiking trails |
Brightleaf Square | Montgomery Village | Shopping, 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.
- Higher humidity
- Lesser dining variety
- Smaller tech market
- Fewer outdoor activities
- Milder climate
- Greater culinary scene
- Larger tech industry
- More outdoor options
- Higher living costs
- Less historical depth
- More spread out
- Heavier traffic
- 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.
Durham | Santa Rosa | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Carolina-style BBQ | Wine Country cuisine |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork | Grass-fed steak |
Most popular street food item | Food truck tacos | Artisanal hot dogs |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ jackfruit sandwiches | Quinoa stuffed peppers |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
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.
Durham | Santa Rosa | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Pizzeria Toro | Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar | Both are known for their wood-fired pizzas and a great wine selection. |
Mateo Bar de Tapas | Willi's Wine Bar | Tapas-style dining with an extensive wine list evoking Mateo's Spanish flavors. |
Bull City Burger and Brewery | Russian River Brewing Company | Offers craft burgers and beers in a laid-back atmosphere, mirroring Bull City's vibe. |
Guglhupf Bakery, Café & Biergarten | Schulz Bräu Brewing | Although more focused on beers, it offers a German-inspired setting and food options, akin to Guglhupf. |
NanaSteak | Stark's Steak & Seafood | Classic steakhouse experience with a touch of local flavor, much like NanaSteak. |
Dashi | Ramen Gaijin | Both restaurants specialize in authentic ramen with a focus on high-quality ingredients and broth. |
Toast Paninoteca | Acre Pizza | Delivers unique, pie-style pizzas that reflect Toast's innovative and casual sandwich artistry. |
The Parlour | Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar | Both are dessert-centric locales with a keen focus on artisanal, handcrafted treats. |
M Sushi | Haku Sushi | Serves up a contemporary sushi experience, emphasizing freshness and creativity like M Sushi. |
Elmo's Diner | Hank's Creekside Cafe | Both 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.

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.
Comparison | Durham | Santa Rosa |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Ranch Style |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large Yards, Spacious Kitchens | Wine 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 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.
Durham, NC
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Santa Rosa, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Durham, NC
Santa Rosa, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Durham | Santa Rosa |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, 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.
Comparison | Durham | Santa Rosa |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,343 | $86,459 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 13.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.86 | 0.77 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 8.75 |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Biotech | Wine Production, Tourism, Healthcare |
Affluence | Stable | Higher |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Concerning | Significant |
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.
Durham | Santa Rosa | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | Progressive on social issues | Environmentally focused initiatives |
Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious practices | Less 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.
Comparison | Durham | Santa Rosa |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 24 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Moderately 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.



Additional Resources
Durham Moving Services
Popular Durham to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources