Best Durham to Portland Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Durham to Portland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 823 mile move from North Carolina to Maine go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 30 Durham to Portland 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 $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Portland. 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 Portland 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 | You Move Me Portland | 9.26 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | SC Moving Services | 9.19 | 9.35 | Active | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Durham to Portland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 823 miles from Durham, NC to Portland, ME will cost on average $2,109 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Portland move is roughly $5,062. 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 | $1,419 | 300 ft³ | 4.73 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,109 | 450 ft³ | 4.69 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,483 | 750 ft³ | 4.64 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,062 | 1100 ft³ | 4.60 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,294 | 1600 ft³ | 4.56 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,130 | 1800 ft³ | 4.52 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Portland to Durham guide.
Compare the 5 Best Durham to Portland 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
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving Experts6601 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) |
You Move Me Portland
9442 SW Barbur Blvd
Portland, OR, 97219
About You Move Me Portland
You Move Me Portland is the mover your neighbors trust and recommend. In terms of reliability, customer service, and professionalism, this...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2388358 / 820850 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2020) |
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) |
SC Moving Services
25 Augusta St
South Portland, ME, 04106
About SC Moving Services
SC Moving Services is a family-owned and operated business located in South Portland, offering a wide range of services to Southern...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2324405 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2016) |
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. Portland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, but comparing familiar landscapes helps bridge the gap. This guide provides an overview by comparing popular neighborhoods, helping you navigate between Durham, NC & Portland, ME using your current city as a reference point.
| Durham | Portland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Trinity Park | West End | Both are known for historic homes |
| Old West Durham | East End | Vibrant local arts scene |
| Downtown Durham | Old Port | Bustling business and entertainment hub |
| Hope Valley | Deering Center | Residential with good schools |
| Woodcroft | North Deering | Suburban feel and green spaces |
| Parkwood | Riverton | Community-oriented with parks |
| Watts Hospital-Hillandale | Rosemont | Family-friendly with historic charm |
| Forest Hills | Back Cove | Scenic with lush landscapes |
| Brightleaf | Munjoy Hill | Trendy with an eclectic mix |
| Lakewood | Stroudwater | Quaint with river views |
If you have come to appreciate the historic charm and community feel of [Trinity Park](https://trinityparknc.org/) with its beautiful architecture and nearby [Duke Gardens](https://gardens.duke.edu/), you might find Portland's [West End](https://westendportland.org/) equally appealing with its similar neighborhoods and the scenic [Western Promenade](https://friendsofthepresumpscot.org/). The vibrant arts scene and bohemian vibe of [Old West Durham](https://downtownchapelhill.com/newcomer-guide/old-west-durham) have a counterpart in Portland's [East End](https://eastendportland.com/), where you can explore colorful murals and diverse eateries. For those who love the bustling atmosphere of [Downtown Durham](https://downtowndurham.com/), you’ll feel at home in Portland's [Old Port](https://www.visitportland.com/old-port/), teeming with lively restaurants, unique shops, and a thriving night scene.
Things to Do in Portland
Walk along the Eastern Promenade- Explore Portland Museum of Art
- Shop at Portland Farmers' Market
- Catch a show at State Theatre
- Dine in the Old Port District
- Visit Children's Museum & Theatre
- Bike the Greenbelt Walkway
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Portland
Are you considering a move from Durham, NC to Portland, ME? This guide provides an honest reflection of the pros and cons associated with this relocation. By examining the strengths and challenges, you can make an informed decision and appreciate both Durham’s charm and Portland’s appeal.
Durham, NC- Hot summers
- Heavy traffic
- High pollen count
- Hurricane threat
Portland, ME- Cooler climate
- Less congestion
- Fresher air
- Fewer natural disasters
Portland, ME- Higher expenses
- Smaller cultural venues
- Harsh winters
- Less diverse
Durham, NC- Lower cost of living
- Rich cultural scene
- Mild winters
- Diverse community
Moving to Portland, ME presents you with an opportunity to enjoy its refreshing climate, especially during the summer, in contrast to the sweltering heat of Durham, NC. As you explore the city, neighborhoods like the Old Port offer an array of charming shops and renowned eateries such as Street & Co.. While Portland boasts lesser traffic, it also comes with a higher cost of living, meaning you'll find areas like the East End pricier than what you might be used to. Though winters are harsher in Portland, the vibrant sights, including the iconic Portland Head Light, provide captivating sceneries that make it worthwhile.
Durham vs. Portland Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and reflects the lifestyle of a region. In this guide, we aim to provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham and Portland . Understanding the food scene can help you dive into the culinary culture where you are moving to.
| Durham | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Barbecue | Seafood Chowder |
| Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Lobster Roll |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Whoopie Pie |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Quinoa Salad |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Portland, the food revolves heavily around its coastal location, making seafood chowder and lobster roll must-tries. These dishes can be found in the charming Old Port district, where you'll also encounter a plethora of food trucks and dining options at places like The Honey Paw. While Durham boasts a rich barbecue culture exemplified by iconic dishes such as pulled pork, Portland impressively extends its offerings with vegan options like the tasty quinoa salad found in eateries in the East Bayside neighborhood. This part of town is particularly known for its vibrant food culture, where restaurants like Fore Street and Duckfat continue to raise the bar for fantastic coastal cuisine experiences.
Durham vs. Portland Restaurant Comparison
Finding favorite eateries helps make an area feel like home. This comparison between the top restaurants in Durham, NC and Portland, ME ensures a delicious transition as you discover new culinary gems while cherishing beloved ones.
| Durham | Portland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Dame's Chicken & Waffles | The Honey Paw | Offers inventive twists on comfort foods much like Dame’s playful Southern fare |
| Mateo Bar de Tapas | Central Provisions | Both present a dynamic range of tapas-style plates rich in global flavors |
| Vin Rouge | Petite Jacqueline | Captures the authentic and rustic charm of French cuisine reminiscent of Vin Rouge |
| Saltbox Seafood Joint | Eventide Oyster Co. | Celebrates fresh seafood with an innovative approach like Saltbox |
| Pizzeria Toro | Otto | Focuses on creative and quality-driven pizzas similar to the offerings of Pizzeria Toro |
| Bullock's Bar-B-Cue | Terlingua | Delivers on hearty barbecue flavors and a cozy vibe like Bullock's |
| Tandem | Union Kitchen | Like Tandem, Union offers thoughtful American cuisine in a charming setting |
| JuJu Durham | Boda | Both embrace a fusion of Asian flavors, providing a tapas-style dining experience |
| M Sushi | Miyake | Presents delicately crafted sushi with an emphasis on quality ingredients, much like M Sushi |
| Geer Street Garden | The Thirsty Pig | Offers a casual ambiance and hearty comfort food, echoing Geer Street’s relaxed style |
As you make your move, the culinary scene in Portland offers a warm welcome with its own brand of unique offerings that mirror Durham’s favorites. At The Honey Paw, you’ll find comfort foods with inventive twists that may remind you of the playful Southern fare at Dame's Chicken & Waffles. Seafood aficionados will appreciate Eventide Oyster Co., where fresh flavors and innovative preparations mirror the indulgent seafood experience at Saltbox Seafood Joint. If you’ve ever enjoyed an eclectic meal at Mateo, then Central Provisions in Portland, with its vibrant menu of global tapas, ensures similar delights to satisfy your adventurous palate. Moving to a new city doesn’t mean leaving behind cherished dining experiences; rather, it opens doors to explore familiar flavors in fantastic new settings.
Ready to start your move?
Durham vs. Portland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how Durham, NC compares to Portland, ME in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle aspects to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | New England Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, home offices | Water views, fireplace |
While Durham offers relatively affordable housing with a mix of Colonial Revival homes and spacious yards, Portland's housing market is characterized by higher prices and classic New England Colonial architecture. If walkability is a priority, Portland shines with an impressive score of 8, making it easier to enjoy local gems like Old Port without the need for a car. However, Durham's budding urban lifestyle offers a balance between suburban sprawl and urban amenities. Consider your preferences for community and outdoor activities when choosing your next home destination.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Portland, ME
1. Munjoy Hill : With its close proximity to the Eastern Promenade, this vibrant neighborhood offers easy access to parks and walking trails that you and your pet will love exploring together.
2. West End : Known for its tree-lined streets and pet-friendly cafes, the West End is a welcoming community with plenty of spots for you and your furry friend to enjoy, like the popular Tandem Coffee + Bakery.
3. East End : This neighborhood boasts several parks and open spaces that are ideal for pets, and you can often find other pet owners mingling at Rising Tide Brewing Company, which welcomes leashed dogs in their outdoor beer garden.
Durham vs. Portland Weather Considerations
If you're considering relocating, understanding the weather differences between Durham, NC and Portland, ME can greatly help in your transition. Comparing the climate of your current location with your prospective new home lets you prepare for the lifestyle and seasonal changes awaiting you.
Durham, NC
Portland, ME
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Portland, ME
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Portland, ME
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Durham, NC
Portland, ME
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Nor'easters |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
As you transition from Durham to Portland, expect a shift in climate that includes a cooler summer and a noticeably harsher winter. The snow in Portland is a significant feature, with over 60 inches annually, which contrasts sharply with the mild winters of Durham. Additionally, while both areas offer good air quality, Portland’s summers are less intense, with fewer high UV index days. Understanding these differences can prepare you for local customs and activities, like winter sports in Portland’s snowy season.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Durham to Portland
If you're moving from Durham, NC to Portland, ME , it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This guide provides a clear comparison to help you plan your finances and understand what monetary adjustments may be necessary to accommodate this transition.
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $71,343 | $70,244 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 116.5 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 7.15 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.84 | 1.30 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 5.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Technology | Healthcare, Tourism, Marine |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Low |
One major difference you will notice when moving from Durham to Portland is the cost of living, which is significantly higher in Portland. This is reflected in its higher Cost of Living Index score. Additionally, the property taxes in Portland are greater, potentially affecting your housing choices. However, it's not all downsides; Portland offers a lower sales tax rate compared to Durham, which might positively impact your day-to-day expenses. If your work is within the healthcare sector, both cities share this as a top industry, but Portland also offers unique opportunities in tourism and marine industries, which may increase your career options or offer new avenues for exploration.
Durham vs. Portland Political & Religious Comparison
This quick comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents by looking at the politics between Durham & Portland . Understanding these differences can help you prepare for your new environment.
| Durham | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | More liberal, diverse community | Predominantly liberal, progressive leanings |
| Local Politics | Democratic focus with community involvement | Progressive with strong environmental policies |
| Religion | Varied, including a mix of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and others | Less religiously diverse, mostly non-religious or Christian |
Moving from Durham to Portland, you'll notice both cities share a liberal political perspective, though Portland leans more towards progressive policies with a strong emphasis on environmental initiatives. Durham's diverse population brings a variety of religious beliefs, supported by numerous places of worship like the Islamic Association of Raleigh. In contrast, Portland tends to be less religiously diverse, with a higher proportion of residents identifying as non-religious or Christian, which is reflected in its local cultural events and community life.
Durham vs. Portland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
To help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic might look like, here is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham, NC and Portland, ME . This will guide you in navigating these cities effectively, whether you prefer driving or public transit.
| Comparison | Durham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 23 | 21 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possibly | Yes |
While Durham offers a reasonable average commute time of 23 minutes, you'll find that traffic congestion can be a factor during rush hours, scoring a 6 out of 10. The public transit options, though expanding, still leave room for improvement with a availability score of 5. In contrast, Portland provides slightly shorter commute times and significantly less traffic congestion. With a more robust public transit system, scoring 7 out of 10 in availability, Portland offers residents greater freedom to navigate the city without reliance on a car. Whether you enjoy the community feel of a local coffee shop like Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham or exploring the waterfront in Portland, each city has its unique transportation style to explore.
Additional Resources
Durham Moving Services
Popular Durham to Maine Routes
Popular Moving Resources
