Best Portland to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Portland to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,832 mile move from Oregon to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 40 Portland to Durham 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 $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Portland 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.

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Best Portland to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Northwest Grace Moving9.299.28Authorized For HHGContact
4All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5You Move Me Portland9.269.4Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Portland to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,832 miles from Portland, OR to Durham, NC will cost on average $4,190 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Portland to Durham move is roughly $10,131. 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$2,808300 ft³9.36
1 Bedroom$4,190450 ft³9.31
2 Bedrooms$6,945750 ft³9.26
3 Bedrooms$10,1311100 ft³9.21
4 Bedrooms$14,6561600 ft³9.16
5+ Bedrooms$16,3981800 ft³9.11
*Please note: These Oregon to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Oregon & North Carolina. 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 OR to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Portland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Portland to Durham Movers

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

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
1
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
2
Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 605+ data points

19764 Cypresswood St

Oregon City, OR, 97045

About Northwest Grace Moving

Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Senior Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
All Service Moving Logo

All Service Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 9,065+ data points

66 SE Morrison St

Portland, OR, 97214

About All Service Moving

Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
4
You Move Me Portland Logo

You Move Me Portland

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,680+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2388358 / 820850

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2020)
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.

Portland vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel like navigating uncharted territory. To ease your transition, we present a comparison of local neighborhoods between Portland, OR & Durham, NC. This guide aims to match you with a Durham neighborhood that shares the vibe and amenities of your favorite Portland area, making you feel right at home in no time.

PortlandDurhamHow They're Similar
Pearl DistrictDowntown DurhamVibrant arts scene and historic buildings
Alberta Arts DistrictCentral ParkEclectic shops and local eats
Nob HillTrinity ParkHistoric homes and tree-lined streets
LaurelhurstHope ValleyClassic homes and green spaces
Sellwood-MorelandOld West DurhamVintage finds and cozy vibes
Mississippi AvenueGeer StreetTrendy bars and unique boutiques
EastmorelandWatts-HillandaleSerene with historic charm
St. JohnsCleveland-HollowayCommunity-centric with artisan flair
HawthorneNinth StreetBohemian with a mix of shops and cafes
BelmontBrightleafBlend of historic and modern conveniences

For instance, if you cherish the bustling streets, arts, and eateries of Portland's Pearl District, Downtown Durham will captivate you with its similar lively arts scene, historic architecture, and dining options like the esteemed Pizzeria Toro. Alberta Arts District lovers will find a kindred spirit in Durham's Central Park neighborhood, known for its unique stores and tasty locales such as Cocoa Cinnamon. Nob Hill's charming atmosphere is mirrored in Trinity Park, featuring the verdant greenery of Trinity Park itself and historic, picturesque homes. Meanwhile, Mississippi Avenue's hip, vibrant energy finds a counterpart in Geer Street, a must-visit for its funky bars and the popular Geer Street Garden. Each Durham neighborhood offers a unique blend of Portland's essence with its Southern charm, making for a smooth and exciting transition to your new home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Portland to Durham

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Portland, OR to Durham, NC. By comparing the pros and cons, you’ll gain a clearer perspective on what to expect in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Higher living costs
  • More rain
  • Limited sun
  • Smaller tech hub
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower living costs
  • Less rain
  • More sunny days
  • Larger tech community
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Less vibrant art scene
  • More limited cuisine
  • Fewer green spaces
  • Less bike-friendly
Portland, OR iconPortland, OR
  • Rich art scene
  • Diverse food options
  • Lush landscapes
  • Biking-friendly

While weighing the pros and cons of moving from Portland, OR to Durham, NC, it's important to delve deeper beyond the surface. Durham boasts an impressive tech scene, welcoming newcomers to the Research Triangle Park (RTP), a beacon for innovation and technology. Despite Portland's advantage in terms of a rich arts scene, Durham is home to unique cultural gems like the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the vibrant American Tobacco Historic District. Although the move may mean bidding farewell to Portland's unparalleled food carts, Durham offers eclectic dining options, from the renowned Pizzeria Toro to the Southern comfort of Dame's Chicken and Waffles. While Portland's lush landscapes may be unmatched, Durham's Eno River State Park offers a natural escape for hiking and picnicking, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts still have plenty to explore.

Portland vs. Durham Food Guide

Food is an integral part of local culture, highlighting what life in an area is like. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Portland, OR & Durham, NC to assist you in getting acquainted with the food scene of your new home.

PortlandDurham
Most iconic local food itemDungeness CrabPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishPok Pok's Vietnamese Fish Sauce WingsEastern Carolina BBQ
Most popular street food itemFood Cart PodsBull City Street Food
Most popular vegan foodHomegrown SmokerFiction Kitchen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
    • Le Pigeon
    • Salt & Straw
    • Nong's Khao Man Gai
    • Durham Food Hall
    • Mateo Bar de Tapas
    • Pizzeria Toro
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Portland, known for its Dungeness Crab and endless options of street food, reflects the city’s creative and inclusive food scene. Food cart pods across neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Alberta offer a taste of the city's diversity, from Vietnamese dishes at Pok Pok to vegan delights at Homegrown Smoker. Conversely, Durham's cuisine is deeply rooted in its Southern heritage, evident in its famous Pulled Pork BBQ and the Eastern Carolina BBQ continuum. Durham Food Hall and Pizzeria Toro are just a couple of places that showcase the city's evolving food scene, catering to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Whether you're moving to Portland or Durham, you'll step into a world where local cuisine tells the stories of the community’s past and present.

Portland vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

When setting roots in a new city, discovering local eateries that resonate with your taste can truly make it feel like home. This guide offers a restaurant comparison to help you transition from Portland to Durham, highlighting familiar flavors and atmospheres in your new locale. Whether you're craving high-end dining experiences or casual bites, this comparison will lead you to your new favorite spots.

PortlandDurhamWhat You'll Love
Le PigeonMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer unique, inventive dishes in a cozy, upscale setting.
Pok PokM SushiWhile differing in cuisine, both are known for their authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients.
TuskPizzeria ToroBoth focus on fresh, local ingredients in a stylish, laid-back environment.
Screen DoorDame's Chicken & WafflesBoth serve iconic, comfort food that's become a staple of their respective cities.
Nong's Khao Man GaiCOPAOffers a simple, yet perfectly executed menu highlighting the best of its cuisine, much like Nong's.
Ken's Artisan PizzaPompieri PizzaBoth are celebrated for their wood-fired pizzas and commitment to quality ingredients.
Salt & StrawThe ParlourBoth are destination spots for unique and adventurous ice cream flavors made with local ingredients.
Apizza SchollsMotorco Music HallOffers pizza with a creative twist, in a vibrant, eclectic space similar to Apizza Scholls.
OxBar VirgileBoth are known for their upscale, inventive takes on classic dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Pine State BiscuitsRise Biscuits DonutsFamous for their comfort food breakfast items, drawing locals and visitors alike.

In replacing one food scene with another, nuances in flavor, ambiance, and innovation play key roles. M Sushi in Durham mirrors Pok Pok's commitment to authenticity and high-quality ingredients, albeit in the realm of Japanese cuisine. Meanwhile, the transition from Screen Door's Southern comfort specialties to Dame's signature chicken and waffles in Durham offers a comforting continuity amidst change. Each Portland favorite has a Durham counterpart that not only matches in quality but also enriches the newcomer's dining experience with local flavors. These comparisons promise an exciting culinary journey as you make Durham your new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Portland vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role in relocating. Understanding the key differences between Portland, OR, and Durham, NC, in terms of housing aspects such as cost, statistics, architecture, walkability, and more can significantly steer your decision-making process. Here's how these vibrant cities compare in reliance to real estate.

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanColonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEco-friendly featuresLarge yards

When examining the housing market in Portland and Durham, notable differences emerge, particularly in median home prices, which are significantly lower in Durham, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. Portland's urban lifestyle score and bikeability reflect its strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor living, characteristics deeply embedded in the city's fabric. Conversely, Durham's real estate listings frequently highlight large yards, hinting at a preference for more spacious living environments. Additionally, Portland's Craftsman-style homes add a unique architectural charm, contrasting with Durham's Colonial Revival influences that evoke a sense of historical richness.

Portland vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Portland, OR, to Durham, NC, understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial. This comparison will provide insights into what changes you can expect in the climate, aiding in your preparation for a new environment. The purpose of the charts is to compare the weather in Portland and Durham, highlighting key climatic differences that could impact your daily life and activities post-relocation.

Summer icon
80°F / 58°F

Portland, OR

89°F / 71°F

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 36°F

Portland, OR

50°F / 30°F

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Portland, OR

48

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Portland, OR

6

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, floodsHurricanes, tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Portland to Durham, you'll notice a significant increase in sunshine days and warmer summer temperatures, making Durham summers feel quite hot and humid compared to your experience in Portland. However, the winter temperatures in both cities are surprisingly similar, with Portland having slightly milder winters due to its coastal climate. Another point to note is the prevalence of different natural disasters, with Portland being prone to earthquakes and floods, while Durham is more susceptible to hurricanes and tornadoes. Adjusting to these changes will be important for your safety and comfort in Durham.

Ready to start your move?

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

When relocating from one city to another, understanding the financial differences is key to a smooth transition. This comparison will spotlight the money and finance differences between Portland, OR and Durham, NC to help you gauge how your expenses, income, and lifestyle may shift with your move.

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Avg. Household Income$79,057$71,343
Cost of Living Index111.396.6
State Income Tax9.95.25
Avg. Property Tax0.910.84
Avg. Sales Tax04.75
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, Health CareEducation, Health Care, Biotechnology
AffluenceComparatively highModerately affluent
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessSignificantly noticeableLesser extent

Examining the financial aspects of Portland and Durham reveals important contrasts. For instance, the average household income is higher in Portland, but the cost of living is significantly lower in Durham, easing the financial strain for many residents. State income tax is another considerable difference, with Portland residents facing a higher rate compared to those in Durham. This difference can result in more disposable income for you in Durham. Additionally, the dominant industries in each city highlight potential career opportunities which could influence your decision based on your professional background. Understanding these variances is crucial for planning your relocation and maintaining financial stability.

Portland vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Planning your move from Portland, OR to Durham, NC? Get a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Portland & Durham to understand your new community. Whether it's voting patterns or local churches, this comparison helps bridge the understanding of these two vibrant cities.

PortlandDurham
Political Make-upProgressive/LiberalProgressive/Liberal
Local PoliticsFocused on environmental and social issuesEmphasis on social justice and education reform
ReligionEclectic; less religious overallMore traditional; diverse religious communities

When moving from Portland to Durham, you'll find both cities share progressive ideologies, but they express these values differently. Portland often channels its progressive nature into environmental and social issues. In contrast, Durham's liberal leanings are more concentrated on social justice and improving education. Religion in Portland is more eclectic with a notable portion of the population identifying as non-religious, whereas Durham hosts a more traditional and diverse set of religious communities. This gives Durham a somewhat more conventional social fabric compared to Portland's often labeled "keep it weird" culture.

Portland vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Portland, OR to Durham, NC, requires an understanding of the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Portland & Durham helps you anticipate what your new daily routine might look like.

ComparisonPortlandDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)25.322.1
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with planningChallenging

Portland enjoys a robust public transit system, including buses, light rail, and streetcars, making it comparatively easier to navigate the city without a vehicle. The average commute time is slightly longer than Durham's, but the city's commitment to public transportation and bike-friendly streets helps mitigate traffic congestion. On the other hand, Durham's smaller scale and less congested roads offer a quicker commute but heavily depend on personal vehicles due to limited public transit options. Hence, moving to Durham might necessitate having a car, contrasting Portland's more flexible transit landscape.

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