Best Durham to Columbus Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Columbus and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 454 mile move from North Carolina to Ohio go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 46 Durham to Columbus 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 Blue Men Moving LLC), 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Blue Men Moving LLC9.569.71Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
4Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
5Manifest Shipping Llc9.199.35Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Durham to Columbus

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 454 miles from Durham, NC to Columbus, OH will cost on average $2,167 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Columbus move is roughly $5,188. 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$1,460300 ft³4.87
1 Bedroom$2,167450 ft³4.82
2 Bedrooms$3,575750 ft³4.77
3 Bedrooms$5,1881100 ft³4.72
4 Bedrooms$7,4661600 ft³4.67
5+ Bedrooms$8,3091800 ft³4.62
*Please note: These North Carolina to Ohio moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & Ohio. 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 OH mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Columbus Movers

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

Blue Men Moving LLC Logo

Blue Men Moving LLC

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,226+ data points

10445 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW

Pickerington, OH, 43147

About Blue Men Moving LLC

With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (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
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
3
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
4
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo

Manifest Shipping Llc

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 452+ data points

501 Southwick Pl

Trenton, OH, 45067

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (2022)
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. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be a monumental task, especially when moving to a city you're unfamiliar with. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Columbus, OH . This comparison aims to help you find a new neighborhood in Columbus that feels like home, by matching it with a similar one in Durham.

DurhamColumbusHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkVictorian VillageHistoric charm, community-centric
Old West DurhamClintonvilleEclectic, artsy vibe
Hope ValleyUpper ArlingtonFamily-friendly, upscale amenities
BrightleafShort NorthVibrant nightlife, artistic community
Warehouse DistrictItalian VillageIndustrial-turned-trendy, unique eateries
Duke ParkGerman VillageQuaint, well-preserved historical area
Nine StreetsHarrison WestSmall-scale, intimate community feel
American Tobacco DistrictBrewery DistrictRevitalized industrial vibe, entertainment options
Raleigh-DurhamGrandview HeightsMix of suburban and urban, great schools
SouthpointEastonShopping and dining paradise

For those who adore the historic charm and tight-knit community of Trinity Park in Durham, Victorian Village in Columbus offers a similar allure with its well-preserved homes and pedestrian-friendly streets. If you're drawn to the eclectic, artsy vibe of Old West Durham, you'll find a comparable spirit in Clintonville, known for its unique stores and local restaurants like Harvest Pizzeria. For the outdoor enthusiasts accustomed to the spacious parks in Hope Valley, Upper Arlington's plentiful green spaces, including the beloved Fancyburg Park, provide a seamless transition. And if the vibrant nightlife and artistic community of Brightleaf are what you seek, Short North's bustling streets, filled with galleries, bars, and restaurants like The Southbend Tavern, will make you feel right at home in Columbus.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Columbus

Moving can be a significant life event, filled with both excitement and apprehension. This guide offers a balanced view when relocating from Durham, NC to Columbus, OH , helping you weigh the positive aspects against the negative . By comparing the pros and cons, you'll have a clearer understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for your big move.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less diverse economy
  • Fewer big events
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • More temperate climate
  • Larger metropolitan area
  • Broad economic base
  • More cultural events
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Less tech-centric
  • More impersonal
  • Less historical depth
  • Harsher winters
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Cozy community feel
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Milder winters

While Durham's lush, green landscapes and the thriving tech industry at the Research Triangle Park offer a unique blend of nature and innovation, moving to Columbus opens new doors to a vibrant city life teeming with cultural events and economic opportunities. Columbus boasts an impressive lineup of festivals like the Ohio State Fair and the Columbus Arts Festival, alongside a plethora of dining options ranging from cozy cafes in the Short North Arts District to gourmet restaurants like Wolf's Ridge Brewing. Both cities have their charms, but Columbus's broader economic base and more temperate climate may offer a refreshing change for those used to Durham's milder winters and smaller community vibe. Whether you're exploring the historic German Village or enjoying the greenery of the Scioto Mile, Columbus offers an eclectic mix of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Durham vs. Columbus Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC & Columbus, OH because food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. We'll compare the two locations so you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

DurhamColumbus
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQBuckeye candies
Most popular meat dishPulled porkBratwurst
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks Cuisine VarietyTaco trucks
Most popular vegan foodVegan BBQVegan Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Piedmont Restaurant
  • Poole's Diner
  • Nana's Restaurant
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Lindey's
  • The Thurman Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Durham to Columbus, you'll transition from the savory, smoked flavors of Carolina-style BBQ to the sweet, chocolate and peanut butter delight of Buckeye candies. Durham's vibrant food truck scene offers a variety of cuisines, reflecting the city's diverse culinary culture, particularly around areas like the American Tobacco Historic District. Columbus offers its own unique vibe with a strong presence of taco trucks, vegan eateries, and iconic restaurants such as Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, a testament to the city's German heritage located in the German Village neighborhood. Both cities are health-conscious and have a thriving food scene, but Durham has a slight edge in terms of food truck diversity and vegan options. This shift in local food culture is an exciting aspect of your relocation to Columbus, promising new culinary adventures.

Durham vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a daunting task, but finding your new favorite spots to dine can make anywhere feel like home. This comparison aims to bridge culinary delights from Durham to Columbus, helping you discover analogous eateries with ease. Whether you’re in search of high-end dining, a casual brunch spot, or iconic eateries, this guide has you covered.

DurhamColumbusWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasBarcelona Restaurant & BarAuthentic Spanish cuisine and tapas
Pizzeria ToroHarvest PizzeriaCraft pizzas with a creative twist
Bull City Burger and BreweryThe Thurman CafeKnown for gourmet burgers and local brews
Dashi RamenFukuryu RamenTraditional and modern ramen bowls
Mothers & Sons TrattoriaMarcella'sCozy Italian dining with an extensive wine list
ScratchFox in the Snow CafeQuaint bakery and cafe with artisan pastries
GocciolinaLa TavolaClassic Italian in a warm, inviting setting
ToastKatalina’sFamous for brunch and pancake balls
Elmo's DinerTommy’s DinerA blast from the past with classic diner favorites
The Pit DurhamRay Ray's Hog PitAuthentic barbecue with a focus on smoked meats

For aficionados of authentic Spanish cuisine longing for the flavors of Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham, Barcelona Restaurant & Bar in Columbus offers a similar immersive experience with its extensive selection of tapas and wines. Meanwhile, burger enthusiasts who frequent Bull City Burger and Brewery will find a kindred spirit in The Thurman Cafe in Columbus, where gourmet burgers take center stage alongside a selection of local brews. For those cold nights when only a bowl of ramen will do, Columbus' Fukuryu Ramen stands out as the city's answer to Durham's Dashi Ramen, showcasing an array of traditional and innovative ramen dishes to satisfy your cravings.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current city and your future home is crucial. Understanding how Durham, NC, and Columbus, OH stack up in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle can significantly influence your decision and transition. Here's a close look at the real estate landscapes in both cities.

ComparisonDurhamColumbus
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanVictorian, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGranite countertops, hardwood floorsStainless steel appliances, proximity to parks

While Durham, NC, showcases a higher median home price and monthly rent, reflecting its burgeoning market and desirability, Columbus, OH, offers more affordable living options without greatly sacrificing quality or lifestyle. The architecture in Columbus leans towards Victorian and Craftsman styles, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Columbus also scores slightly higher in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, indicating a potentially more engaged and active living experience. Notable features in Columbus real estate listings, such as stainless steel appliances and proximity to parks, illustrate the city's dedication to modern living amenities and a balanced lifestyle. This comparison suggests Columbus might be the more budget-friendly and lifestyle-rich option for your move.

Durham vs. Columbus Weather Considerations

If you're thinking of moving, comparing the climate of your current city to your new one is essential. This guide highlights the weather differences between Durham, NC, and Columbus, OH , providing a clear expectation for what awaits you in terms of temperature, sunshine, and more.

Summer icon
89/69

Durham, NC

85/65

Columbus, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Durham, NC

36/22

Columbus, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48

Durham, NC

39

Columbus, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Durham, NC

22

Columbus, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamColumbus
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Snowstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Durham to Columbus will introduce you to cooler winters and less sunshine, reflected in the lower annual days of sunshine and significantly higher snowfall in Columbus. Though Columbus experiences colder winters, both cities face similar challenges with humidity and seasonal allergies. Natural disaster risks shift from hurricanes in Durham to more frequent snowstorms in Columbus, impacting how you prepare for seasonal weather threats. Adjusting to these changes will be key to a comfortable transition.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to align your financial expectations with reality. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income levels in Durham compare to those in Columbus will help you make an informed decision and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

ComparisonDurhamColumbus
Avg. Household Income$71,343$58,202
Cost of Living Index96.692
State Income Tax5.254.797
Avg. Property Tax0.811.56
Avg. Sales Tax7.57.25
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, BiotechnologyEducation, Government, Insurance
AffluenceReasonably affluentModerately affluent
PovertyLowerComparable
HomelessnessLess prevalentMore common

Moving from Durham to Columbus, you'll find a slight decrease in the average household income but also a lower cost of living, making the financial adjustment easier than expected. The sales tax is slightly lower in Columbus, giving you a bit of savings on purchases. However, a notable difference comes with the property tax, nearly doubling in Columbus, which can impact your decision if you're planning to buy a home. Both cities boast diverse economies, but Columbus has a stronger presence in government and insurance industries, offering a varied job market. Understanding these financial nuances will guide you in budgeting for your new life in Columbus.

Durham vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Durham, NC to Columbus, OH? Get a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This analysis provides insight into the comparison of the politics and religion between Durham & Columbus, helping you appreciate the cultural nuances of your new city.

DurhamColumbus
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic strongholdDemocratic-leaning
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, with growing diverse religious communities

Both Durham and Columbus are recognized for their liberal political landscapes, often being seen as Democratic strongholds or leaning areas within their respective states. This similarity suggests that your transition might feel somewhat familiar in terms of political discussions and local government policies. Durham's religious scene is predominantly Christian, as is Columbus's, but both cities celebrate a tapestry of faiths reflecting diverse communities. Notably, Columbus's diverse religious communities are on the rise, signaling a growing acceptance and celebration of different cultures and beliefs. Understanding these aspects helps in appreciating the cultural and social fabric of your new home.

Durham vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Columbus, OH requires understanding the major differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Durham & Columbus will help you navigate your new city more easily.

ComparisonDurhamColumbus
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.923.5
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?PartiallyMore challenging

In Durham, the average commute time is slightly longer, but with generally less traffic congestion compared to Columbus. Public transit is reasonably accessible in Durham, with services like the GoDurham bus system and the GoTriangle options for broader regional travel. Living in Durham without a car is feasible, especially if you're residing within or close to the city center where amenities and workplaces are more concentrated. Meanwhile, Columbus tends to have a slightly shorter commute on average but experiences a bit higher traffic congestion. Although Columbus's public transit, including the COTA bus service, is rated higher, relying entirely on public transportation might prove to be more challenging than in Durham. Both cities have efforts to improve mobility, but your lifestyle and work location will significantly influence your need for a personal vehicle.

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