Best Manchester to Durham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Manchester to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 745 mile move from New Hampshire to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Manchester to Durham 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 Manchester compared to Durham. 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 Manchester to Durham 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 | Fit 2 Move | 9.26 | 9.16 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Bridges Bros Movers | 8.99 | 9 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | First-Rate Moving, LLC | 8.94 | 9.11 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Manchester to Durham
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 745 miles from Manchester, NH to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,053 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Manchester to Durham move is roughly $4,924. 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 | $1,381 | 300 ft³ | 4.60 |
1 Bedroom | $2,053 | 450 ft³ | 4.56 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,389 | 750 ft³ | 4.52 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,924 | 1100 ft³ | 4.48 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,094 | 1600 ft³ | 4.43 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,904 | 1800 ft³ | 4.39 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Manchester guide.
Compare the 5 Best Manchester to Durham 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) |

Fit 2 Move
Dover, NH, 03820
About Fit 2 Move
Fit 2 Move is a veteran-owned moving company in Rochester, serving the seacoast, central, southern, and lakes regions of New Hampshire,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Residential Moving Local & Long Distance
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4059585 / 1540193 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |

Bridges Bros Movers
29 Garfield St
Exeter, NH, 03833
About Bridges Bros Movers
Bridges Bros Movers has been helping people move their belongings for over a hundred years. It is a family-owned company established...
Services
- Local and long-distance moving services
- Move planning
- Packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3152985 / 105934 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
Registered Drivers | 10 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 131,248 (2022) |

First-Rate Moving, LLC
4 Williston Rd
Salem, NH, 3079
About First-Rate Moving, LLC
First-Rate Moving provides high-quality moving services to the Greater Boston and New England areas. Based in Windham, NH, this locally owned...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3141590 / 99572 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 65,000 (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.
Manchester vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison
To ease your transition from Manchester, NH & Durham, NC , we've drawn parallels between popular neighborhoods in each city, helping you familiarize yourself with new surroundings using familiar locales as a baseline.
Manchester | Durham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
North End | Hope Valley | Stately homes, historic charm |
Downtown | City Center | Urban vibe, nightlife |
West Side | Trinity Park | Family-friendly, parks |
East Side | Old West Durham | Eclectic, vibrant community |
Southside | Southpoint | Shopping and dining hub |
Hanover Hill | Forest Hills | Quiet, tree-lined streets |
Straw/Smyth | Duke Park | Artistic, close-knit community |
Northwest Manchester | Watts-Hillandale | Close to medical facilities |
Rimmon Heights | Lakewood/Tuscaloosa | Culturally diverse, innovation hub |
Kalivas Union | Brightleaf | Historic, boutique shops |
If you're used to the stately homes and historic charm of Manchester’s North End, you'll find Hope Valley in Durham offers a similar ambiance, with its grand residences and beautiful landscapes. Downtown's urban vibe in Manchester mirrors Durham's City Center, where nightlife and energy create a vibrant atmosphere with places like Ninth Street Bakery. On Manchester's East Side, the eclectic and vibrant community can be compared to Durham’s Old West Durham, with its diverse dining options like Guglhupf bakery and cafe. If you favor the shopping and dining hub of Manchester's Southside, then Durham's Southpoint area, featuring The Streets at Southpoint, will cater to your retail and culinary preferences.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Manchester to Durham
Moving from Manchester, NH to Durham, NC involves considering both the pros and cons of this relocation . The charts below aim to provide an honest comparison between Manchester, NH and Durham, NC , helping you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of your move.
- Cold winters
- Limited diversity
- Higher taxes
- Smaller arts scene
- Mild winters
- Vibrant culture
- Lower taxes
- Bigger arts community
- Higher cost of living
- More congestion
- Far from mountains
- Limited snow sports
- Affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Close to mountains
- Snow activities
Moving to Durham offers mild winters, which might be a welcome change if you're tired of the cold Manchester climate. In Durham, you can explore the thriving arts community at places like the Durham Arts Council, which provides a vibrant cultural experience. Although the cost of living is higher, Durham's diversity of neighborhood parks such as Duke Park and popular areas like the Ninth Street District offer countless opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. If you love trying new restaurants, you might enjoy establishments such as Mateo Bar de Tapas. While you may miss the proximity to mountains and snow activities, Durham's warmer climate offers a different array of outdoor activities.
Manchester vs. Durham Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Manchester, NH & Durham, NC. Food is an important part of local culture and adds to the experience of living in an area. This guide will help you better understand the unique food scenes of both cities, ensuring you're well-informed about the culinary landscape when moving to Durham.
Manchester | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Primavera Pizza | Carolina Barbecue |
Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Pulled Pork |
Most popular street food item | Burgers | Barbecue Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Sushi | Vegan Soul Bowl |
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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When relocating to Durham, you'll quickly notice the rich food culture, especially the emphasis on barbecue, a staple of southern cuisine. In the trendy neighborhood of the American Tobacco District, you'll find hotspots like Dame’s Chicken & Waffles and Saltbox Seafood Joint, offering exquisite local flavors. The abundance of food trucks, scoring a nine, reflects Durham’s vibrant street food culture, bringing diverse culinary delights right to the streets. Meanwhile, the city's increasing vegan-friendliness is making spots like the Vegan Soul Bowl widely popular, providing ample options for health-conscious and plant-based eaters.
Manchester vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison
Food is a cornerstone of making any place feel like home. This restaurant comparison is crafted to help you discover new favorite eateries by using your experience in Manchester, NH as a guide to explore Durham, NC 's culinary landscape.
Manchester | Durham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
The Foundry at Summit Park | NanaSteak | Both offer chic atmospheres with premium steak options |
Republic Cafe & Bistro | Local 22 Kitchen & Bar | Both blend local flavors into classic American cuisine |
Hanover Street Chophouse | Sullivan's Steakhouse | Both are known for high-end steak and fine dining |
The Bridge Cafe | Cocoa Cinnamon | Both serve as community hubs for coffee lovers |
Puritan Backroom | The Pit Authentic Barbecue | Both offer iconic regional flavors |
Red Arrow Diner | NOSH | Both provide classic comfort food in a casual setting |
Cotton | Parizade | Both offer innovative menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients |
Hooked Seafood Restaurant | Saint James Seafood | Both provide a coastal dining experience |
Ignite Bar and Grille | The Pig | Both excel in blending fine dining with lively atmospheres |
Fratello's Italian Grille | Tre Forni | Both feature hearty Italian dishes and family-style dining |
As you traverse Durham's culinary scene, you'll notice striking parallels with what you're accustomed to in Manchester. For instance, Cocoa Cinnamon cultivates a sense of community much like The Bridge Cafe, creating a welcoming space for coffee aficionados. For lovers of rich history and superb steaks, Sullivan's Steakhouse offers the eloquent fine dining experience that echoes Hanover Street Chophouse’s elegance in Manchester. Meanwhile, Saint James Seafood in Durham mirrors Hooked Seafood's delightful coastal dining, promising a decadent taste of the sea. Relocating doesn't mean leaving your favorite dining experiences behind; instead, it presents an opportunity to enjoy similar delights in a new setting.

Ready to start your move?
Manchester vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts
Moving involves many important decisions, and real estate is certainly at the top of the list. When comparing Manchester, NH to Durham, NC , understanding the differences in housing can help you make a more informed choice. With this comparison, you'll get insights into costs, architecture, and lifestyle aspects unique to each city.
Comparison | Manchester | Durham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Modernist |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Yard space, fireplaces | Proximity to DPAC, open floor plans |
The housing landscape in Manchester tends to showcase Colonial architecture with properties featuring yard space and fireplaces, which are highly valued in real estate listings. In contrast, Durham's housing market is characterized by modernist styles with an emphasis on open floor plans and proximity to cultural attractions like the Durham Performing Arts Center. While Manchester offers better walkability, Durham surpasses in bikeability, reflecting its adaptation to a more dynamic urban lifestyle. Expect to pay higher home prices in Durham, but enjoy a more vibrant urban lifestyle overall.
Manchester vs. Durham Weather Considerations
If you're relocating from Manchester, NH to Durham, NC , understanding the weather variations between these locations is crucial. This knowledge will help you prepare for changes in climate, daily routines, and potential lifestyle adjustments. Use the chart below to compare the essential climate characteristics of both cities.
Manchester, NH
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Manchester, NH
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Manchester, NH
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Manchester, NH
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Manchester | Durham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Fair |
Natural Disasters | Winter storms | Hurricanes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In transitioning to Durham, you'll notice warmer winters compared to Manchester, providing a break from harsh winter conditions. However, brace yourself for higher summer temperatures, often reaching more intense highs. While both cities receive similar rainfall, Durham's snow is nearly negligible compared to Manchester's heavy snowfall. With more sunny days, Durham offers more opportunities for outdoor activities, though the humid environment may take some adjustment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Manchester to Durham
If you're moving from Manchester, NH to Durham, NC , it's crucial to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will help you make informed decisions about your finances in your new city.
Comparison | Manchester | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $73,639 | $71,343 |
Cost of Living Index | 116.8 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 5.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.1% | 0.85% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 7.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Education | Research, Education, Health Care |
Affluence | Moderate | Varied |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Controlled | Noticeable |
Relocating from Manchester to Durham means adapting to a slightly different financial landscape. You will find that while Manchester has a higher average household income, Durham offers a lower cost of living index, which makes daily expenses comparatively cheaper. While New Hampshire has no sales tax, North Carolina imposes a 7.5% average sales tax, impacting your day-to-day purchases. However, the property taxes in Durham are more favorable than those in Manchester, which could be beneficial if you're considering investing in real estate. The economic scene in Durham is robust thanks to its focus on research and education, making it an attractive location for job opportunities in these sectors.
Manchester vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison
Relocating from one city to another involves understanding the sociocultural environment. This guide offers a comparison of the political and religious makeup of Manchester & Durham , providing a quick snapshot of what to expect in your new community.
Manchester | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderate Lean | Liberal Lean |
Local Politics | City Council Website | City Council Website |
Religion | Predominantly Christian | Diverse Religious Backgrounds |
When moving from Manchester to Durham, it's important to recognize the differences in political climates. Manchester tends to have a moderate political stance, which might contrast with Durham's more liberal-leaning environment. Furthermore, while Manchester's religious community largely identifies as Christian, Durham is known for its diverse religious voices. Exploring establishments such as Manchester's Cathedral or Durham's multi-faith centers could provide deeper insights into these cultural landscapes.
Manchester vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Manchester & Durham , helping you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like. Whether you are planning a move or just curious about these two cities, this comparison aims to provide insight into how commuting in these areas might impact your daily life.
Comparison | Manchester | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 23 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes |
In Manchester, the average commute time is slightly longer at 25 minutes compared to Durham’s 23 minutes. This could be attributed to traffic patterns, where Manchester experiences moderate congestion of about 5 out of 10. On the other hand, Durham fares slightly better with a congestion level of 4. Public transit availability in Durham is rated higher, making it a bit more convenient to get by without a car. Additionally, Durham's transportation options including buses and bike lanes provide flexible commuting alternatives. To explore Durham's public transit routes, you can visit various local resources, adding convenience to your daily travel needs.



Additional Resources
Manchester Moving Services
Popular Manchester to North Carolina Routes
Popular Moving Resources