Best Durham to Tampa Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Durham to Tampa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 679 mile move from North Carolina to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Durham to Tampa 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 Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Tampa. 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 Tampa Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
2 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Let's Get Moving | 9.13 | 9.26 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Two Men and a Truck | 9.06 | 8.51 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Durham to Tampa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 679 miles from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL will cost on average $2,005 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Tampa move is roughly $4,807. 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 | $1,349 | 300 ft³ | 4.50 |
1 Bedroom | $2,005 | 450 ft³ | 4.46 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,310 | 750 ft³ | 4.41 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,807 | 1100 ft³ | 4.37 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,924 | 1600 ft³ | 4.33 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,713 | 1800 ft³ | 4.29 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tampa to Durham guide.
Compare the 5 Best Durham to Tampa Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

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 | - |

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) |

Let's Get Moving
6599 Haines Rd N
St. Petersburg, FL, 33702
About Let's Get Moving
This locally-owned moving company has been serving the St. Petersburg, FL, area since 2004. Let's Get Moving is a well-known Florida...
Services
- Commercial moving services
- Residential moving services
- Local moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2270761 / 775415 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 78,000 (2023) |

Two Men and a Truck
2549 Seven Springs Blvd
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
About Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck is a full-service, national moving company in Florida with over 35 years of experience. With a...
Services
- Local moving
- Junk removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2113690 / FF-19726
812151 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
Registered Drivers | 13 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 310,000 (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. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison
Making a move from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To bridge that gap, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Tampa, FL . This guide is tailored to help you find a new area that feels like home, mirroring the community you're moving from.
Durham | Tampa | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Trinity Park | Hyde Park | Historic homes, walkable streets |
Ninth Street | Soho | Vibrant nightlife, dining options |
Old West Durham | Seminole Heights | Vintage homes, artistic vibe |
American Tobacco District | Ybor City | Rich history, entertainment scene |
Hope Valley | Palma Ceia | Upscale, serene neighborhoods |
Brightleaf | Channelside | Trendy apartments, waterfront views |
Woodcroft | Westchase | Family-friendly, community events |
Morehead Hill | Historic Kenwood | Bungalow-style homes, inclusive community |
Downtown Durham | Downtown Tampa | Urban core, business hub |
Cleveland-Holloway | Ballast Point | Quiet streets, access to nature |
When making the transition from Durham to Tampa, it's fascinating to see how each city offers unique parallels that help ease the move. For instance, Durham's Ninth Street, known for its local eateries and indie shops, finds its match in Tampa's Soho, where the aroma from trendy cafes and bustling bars fills the air. If you're moving from the artistic environment of Old West Durham, you'll feel right at home in Seminole Heights, celebrated for its vintage shops and vibrant murals. And for those who admire the historic and walkable streets of Trinity Park, Hyde Park in Tampa offers an inviting blend of grand old homes and chic boutiques. Each Tampa neighborhood mirrors its Durham counterpart, ensuring you don't miss out on the aspects of your old community that you've grown to love.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Tampa
Moving from one city to another involves weighing various factors to make an informed decision. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the pros and cons of relocating from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL. By examining these aspects side by side, you can better understand how this move could affect your lifestyle, preferences, and day-to-day activities.
- Smaller tech hub
- Less nightlife
- Seasonal changes
- Higher taxes
- Larger job market
- Vibrant nightlife
- Warmer winters
- No state income tax
- More humid
- Fewer indie stores
- Greater hurricane risk
- Higher cost of living
- Cultural festivals
- Unique local shops
- Rich history
- More affordable housing
Moving from Durham, NC, to Tampa, FL, entails not just a change in scenery but also adapting to new cultural, economic, and climatic conditions. In Durham, you might be used to the mix of quaint indie stores like The Regulator Bookshop, and the education-focused atmosphere brought by the proximity to Duke University. Tampa, however, offers a vibrant lifestyle with its bustling nightlife in areas like Ybor City and upscale dining options such as Bern's Steak House. While you'll miss Durham's seasonal beauty and lower cost of living, Tampa's year-round warm weather and no state income tax are enticing benefits. The potential for hurricanes is a notable risk, but Tampa's preparation and community resilience are reassuring. In summary, this move is a step into a larger, more diverse urban setting with its unique advantages and challenges.
Durham vs. Tampa Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC, and Tampa, FL, highlighting the unique flavors and dining experiences each city offers. Understanding the food scene is essential for getting a taste of the local culture and lifestyle in your new home.
Durham | Tampa | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled pork BBQ | Cuban Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Carolina-style BBQ ribs | Deviled Crab |
Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Empanadas |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Black Bean Burgers |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving from Durham to Tampa, you'll shift from the tangy flavors of Carolina BBQ to the rich, multicultural tapestry of Tampa's culinary scene, prominently featuring Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. Iconic dishes like the Cuban Sandwich and Deviled Crab embody the city's embrace of its coastal setting and diverse heritage. Tampa's historic neighborhoods, such as Ybor City and SoHo, offer an eclectic mix of dining experiences, from the century-old Columbia Restaurant, renowned for its Spanish cuisine, to innovative eateries like Ulele, which celebrates native Floridian ingredients. This city's vibrant food truck scene, while not as extensive as Durham's, still promises exciting street food adventures, especially with local favorites like Empanadas and Black Bean Burgers.
Durham vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison aims to help you find your new favorite go-to spots in Tampa by drawing parallels with the beloved eateries of Durham. By focusing on the Durham to Tampa restaurant transition, you'll have a smoother culinary adjustment to your new home.
Durham | Tampa | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Mateo Bar de Tapas | Columbia Restaurant | Offers a similar Spanish tapas dining experience. |
Pizzeria Toro | Eddie & Sam’s N.Y. Pizza | Authentic New York-style pizza in the heart of Tampa. |
Bull City Burger and Brewery | Elmer's Sports Cafe | Both have a casual vibe with a strong emphasis on local beer and great burgers. |
Dashi | Ichicoro Ramen | A modern take on traditional ramen, much like Dashi's approach. |
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten | Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria | Offers a European bakery and dining atmosphere. |
Vin Rouge | Bern's Steak House | Though known for steaks, Bern's offers a sophisticated dining experience comparable to Vin Rouge. |
Nana's | Haven | Focuses on innovative and seasonal cuisine, making it a worthy counterpart to Nana's. |
M Sushi | Ocean Prime | Premier seafood and sushi with an upscale ambiance. |
Backyard BBQ Pit | Big Ray's Fish Camp | Both are celebrated for their local, no-frills approach to serving outstanding food. |
Foster's Market | Datz | A similar eclectic and hearty selection of American comfort food. |
Spanning from authentic tapas at Columbia Restaurant reminiscent of Mateo Bar de Tapas, to the soul-warming ramen of Ichicoro Ramen that mirrors the creative noodle dishes of Dashi, Tampa's culinary scene is diverse and inviting. If your evenings in Durham were often spent enjoying sophisticated dinners at Vin Rouge, prepare to be equally charmed by the legendary Bern's Steak House in Tampa with its world-renowned wine collection and classic elegance. On the more casual side, Tampa holds its own with places like Elmer's Sports Cafe and Big Ray's Fish Camp, ensuring that the comforting and familiar flavors are never far away. Tampa's willingness to embrace the flavors of other cities, coupled with its unique Floridian twist, means that relocating foodies can easily find a new place to call their culinary home.

Ready to start your move?
Durham vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between Durham, NC and Tampa, FL is crucial for making an informed decision. This comparison spans aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle to give you a comprehensive overview.
Comparison | Durham | Tampa |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Spanish, Mediterranean |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, proximity to research and education centers | Waterfront, proximity to beaches |
In exploring the housing markets of Durham and Tampa, you'll notice both cities offer unique advantages. Durham's Colonial and Craftsman-style homes often come with large yards, mirroring its research and educational focus. It's slightly more walkable but less bike-friendly compared to Tampa. Tampa's allure lies in its Spanish and Mediterranean-style housing, emphasizing waterfront living and beach proximity, indicative of a higher urban lifestyle score. Regardless of your preference for quaint academic surroundings or vibrant coastal settings, both cities present appealing yet distinct lifestyles.
Durham vs. Tampa Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another can drastically change your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding how the climate in Durham compares to Tampa is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you grasp the weather-related changes you should expect.
Durham, NC
Tampa, FL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Tampa, FL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Tampa, FL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Durham, NC
Tampa, FL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Durham | Tampa |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Generally Good | Good to Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Occasional hurricanes, severe thunderstorms | Hurricanes, tropical storms |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Although Durham and Tampa share some similarities, the differences in weather conditions can have a significant impact on your daily life. In Tampa, you'll enjoy more days of sunshine and a warmer winter climate, which can be a pleasant change if you're not fond of the cold. However, Tampa's higher humidity and UV index mean you'll need to be mindful of sun protection and might experience discomfort during the hottest days. The threat of hurricanes in Tampa is also more pronounced than in Durham, requiring additional preparations during hurricane season. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your lifestyle and home maintenance routines to better suit your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Durham to Tampa
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the difference in financial aspects such as income, taxes, and living expenses is crucial. This guide compares the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes between Durham and Tampa , providing a clearer view of what to expect in your new home.
Comparison | Durham | Tampa |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,343 | $63,404 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 92.4 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 0 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85 | 0.97 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 8.5 |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Biotechnology | Tourism, Health Care, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | Variable |
Poverty | Lower than national | Higher than national |
Homelessness | Decreasing | Stable |
While Durham boasts a higher average household income and a slightly higher cost of living compared to Tampa, the absence of state income tax in Florida presents Tampa as an enticing option for many. However, Durham's investment in education, health services, and biotechnology indicates a robust job market in these sectors. Conversely, Tampa relies heavily on tourism, health care, and retail, reflecting its unique economic landscape. The variance in affluence and poverty levels between the two cities also highlights the socio-economic diversity, presenting a broader context for potential newcomers to consider outside of just financial figures.
Durham vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be a cultural leap, and understanding the fabric of your new community is crucial. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Durham, NC and Tampa, FL. It's designed to help you grasp the social dynamics you'll be stepping into.
Durham | Tampa | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning | Moderately liberal |
Local Politics | Active in social issues | Active, with a focus on development |
Religion | Diverse with strong Protestant presence | Diverse with a notable Episcopal community |
Understanding the political and religious landscape of your new city is more than just a matter of curiosity; it can influence everything from your social circles to the issues you may feel passionate about engaging in. In Durham, you might find a more liberal-leaning crowd, actively engaged in various social issues, which is reflective of the city's diverse and vibrant community. This is complemented by a strong Protestant presence, though varied religious beliefs are celebrated. Tampa shares a moderately liberal viewpoint but focuses more on development and growth issues, alongside having a notable Episcopal community. Moving to Tampa, you'll encounter a similarly diverse religious fabric, but with different community focal points. This knowledge can help you connect with your new surroundings on a deeper level.
Durham vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL, it's crucial to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between these two cities. This comparison will help you get a better sense of what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like after your move.
Comparison | Durham | Tampa |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 26 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Yes, but challenging | Difficult |
While the average commute time in Durham might be shorter, you'll find Tampa's traffic to be denser due to its larger population and tourist activity. Durham does offer public transit options like buses and a planned light rail system that might make getting around without a car feasible, though not always convenient. In contrast, Tampa's reliance on cars is heavier, making it difficult to navigate the city without one. Both cities present unique challenges and conveniences, but knowing these differences can help you prepare for your move and adjust your expectations regarding transportation.



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