Best Chattanooga to Durham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Chattanooga to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 449 mile move from Tennessee to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 | Boundless Moving & Storage | 9.33 | 9.36 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
4 | Smooth Moving & Storage | 8.93 | 8.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Piano Movers Plus | 8.83 | 8.17 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Chattanooga to Durham
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 449 miles from Chattanooga, TN to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,163 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chattanooga to Durham move is roughly $5,177. 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 | $1,457 | 300 ft³ | 4.86 |
1 Bedroom | $2,163 | 450 ft³ | 4.81 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,568 | 750 ft³ | 4.76 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,177 | 1100 ft³ | 4.71 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,451 | 1600 ft³ | 4.66 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,292 | 1800 ft³ | 4.61 |


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

Boundless Moving & Storage
5595 N. Lee Hwy
Cleveland, TN, 37312
About Boundless Moving & Storage
Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2798532 / 934519 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 358,520 (2022) |

Smooth Moving & Storage
3620 Trousdale Dr
Nashville, TN, 37204
About Smooth Moving & Storage
Smooth Moving & Storage is a full-service moving and storage company based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering professional, reliable, and stress-free moving...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Residential moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2472874 / 1244900 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |
Piano Movers Plus
3889 Hixson Pike
Chattanooga, TN, 37415
About Piano Movers Plus
Piano Movers Plus is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Chattanooga, TN, serving the surrounding cities such as...
Services
- Damage free piano moving
- Hard to move items moving
- Household moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 849413 / 393793 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 184,000 (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.
Chattanooga vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially when moving to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we're here to help you draw parallels between your current city and your future home. This guide focuses on comparing local neighborhoods between Chattanooga, TN & Durham, NC, identifying comparable neighborhoods to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings using what you already know.
Chattanooga | Durham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
North Shore | Trinity Park | Vibrant community spirit, great walkability |
Southside | Warehouse District | Artistic hub, bustling nightlife |
St. Elmo | Cleveland-Holloway | Historic homes, quiet streets |
Highland Park | Old North Durham | Diverse, historic with strong community ties |
Downtown | Downtown Durham | Urban feel, rich in culture and activities |
Signal Mountain | Hope Valley | Scenic views, affluent community |
East Brainerd | Southpoint | Family-friendly, ample shopping and dining |
Brainerd | Brightleaf | Accessible, family-oriented with a touch of history |
Hixson | Rockwood | Vibrant local scene, variety of housing options |
Ooltewah | Woodcroft | Peaceful, well-maintained with excellent amenities |
In comparing Chattanooga to Durham, you can find several neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle and preferences. For instance, art and culture enthusiasts who adored the bustling artistic vibe of Southside will fall in love with Durham's Warehouse District, known for its vibrant art scene and lively nightlife. Similarly, the tree-lined streets and historic homes of St. Elmo find their match in Durham's Cleveland-Holloway. Here, you can enjoy a quieter pace of life without sacrificing the charm and character that drew you to St. Elmo. For those who enjoyed the mix of urban excitement and community closeness in North Shore, Trinity Park in Durham offers an inviting blend of community spirit and convenient access to local parks, shops, and cafes, such as the beloved Brightleaf Square for its unique shopping and dining experiences. These parallels not only help ease the transition but also ensure you’ll quickly feel at home in your new neighborhood.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chattanooga to Durham
Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Durham, NC, involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to boldly outline the considerations by showcasing the potential drawbacks and advantages intricately tied to both cities. Explore an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation to make an informed decision.
- Higher crime rates
- Less diverse job market
- Fewer cultural activities
- Lower crime rates
- More tech opportunities
- Rich cultural scene
- Smaller outdoor scene
- Higher housing costs
- More traffic congestion
- Scenic outdoor activities
- Lower housing costs
- Less traffic
Relocating from Chattanooga, TN, to Durham, NC, offers a chance to immerse yourself in Durham's vibrant culture and bustling tech scene. For example, Durham's Durham Performing Arts Center and Nasher Museum of Art provide enriching cultural experiences that might be harder to come by in Chattanooga. Additionally, the Research Triangle Park near Durham is a boon for those seeking opportunities in technology and academics. However, this move also means adjusting to possibly higher living costs and navigating more congested roads. On the flipside, Chattanooga's outdoor enthusiasts might miss the expansive wilderness available back home, from Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park to the various trails and waterways that offer a direct connection to nature.
Chattanooga vs. Durham Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Chattanooga & Durham highlights the vibrant food scene in both cities, an essential aspect of their local culture and living experience. Through this guide, you'll gain insights into what culinary delights await you in your new home.
Chattanooga | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue Pulled Pork | Pulled Pork BBQ |
Most popular meat dish | Smoked Brisket | Carolina-style Ribs |
Most popular street food item | Chattanooga Dogs | Food Truck Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Chattanooga, you can explore the historic downtown area to find a mix of southern comfort foods and innovative vegan options, with restaurants like Allen's Family BBQ and Aretha Frankensteins standing out for their unique culinary experiences. Over in Durham, the vibrant food truck scene and the eclectic mix of eateries, such as Pizzeria Toro and Mateo Bar de Tapas, provide a wide range of flavors and dishes that reflect the city's diverse culture and palate. Whether you're sampling Durham's famous BBQ jackfruit sandwich or Chattanooga's signature smoked brisket, you'll discover that both cities offer an exciting and diverse culinary landscape.
Chattanooga vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, discovering the culinary scene can transform a city into your home. This comparison explores top restaurants in Chattanooga and compares them to their counterparts in Durham, aiming to bridge the gap between familiar and new dining experiences for those making the move.
Chattanooga | Durham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Alleia | Mateo Bar de Tapas | Known for an exceptional selection of tapas that mirrors the quality and ambiance of Alleia. |
St. John's Restaurant | Parizade | Offers a sophisticated dining experience comparable to St. John's, focusing on elevated cuisine. |
Easy Bistro & Bar | Counting House | Both place a strong emphasis on innovative, locally-sourced cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting. |
Uncle Larry's Restaurant | Saltbox Seafood Joint | Known for fresh, locally-sourced seafood that offers a taste reminiscent of Uncle Larry's down-home style. |
Main Street Meats | Bull City Burger and Brewery | Both are experts in serving high-quality, locally-sourced meats in a casual, welcoming environment. |
Taqueria Jalisco | Nuvotaco | Showcases authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional methods similar to Taqueria Jalisco. |
Public House | The Federal | Both are popular for their great selection of beers and hearty, American pub food in a cozy atmosphere. |
Terminal Brewhouse | Fullsteam Brewery | A brewery that also emphasizes quality food, echoing Terminal Brewhouse's combination of craft beer and cuisine. |
Aretha Frankenstein’s | Elmo's Diner | Similar vibe of quirky, comfort food breakfast and brunch offerings that Aretha Frankenstein’s is beloved for. |
Il Primo North Shore | Gocciolina | Both restaurants are celebrated for their finely crafted Italian dishes in an intimate, neighborhood setting. |
Discovering a city's food scene is akin to unfolding its cultural map, and this guide is your compass. Mateo Bar de Tapas, much like Alleia, offers a plethora of meticulously-prepared tapas, making it a haven for foodies in search of a parallel culinary experience. If it's the sophisticated allure of St. John's that you're missing, Parizade in Durham stands ready to enchant with its artful dishes and refined atmosphere. For the early risers, the transition from Aretha Frankenstein’s whimsical breakfasts to Elmo's Diner's comforting morning fare in Durham will be seamless, promising a delightful start to your day with a serving of local charm. Whether you're seeking comfort food, fine dining, or anything in between, Durham's culinary scene offers a mosaic of flavors that echo the diverse and rich offerings of Chattanooga's renowned eateries.

Ready to start your move?
Chattanooga vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning your move, it's paramount to consider how Chattanooga's and Durham's real estate markets compare in terms of housing options. This comparison encompasses cost, architecture, walkability, and more, providing a comprehensive overview to aid in your relocation decision.
Comparison | Chattanooga | Durham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Victorian & Modern | Colonial Revival & Modern |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Scenic views, Proximity to outdoor activities | Proximity to research institutions, Cultural amenities |
Moving from Chattanooga to Durham means adjusting to a slight increase in both housing costs and urban lifestyle quality. While Durham's median home price and rent are higher, it compensates with better walkability, bikeability, and a vibrant urban lifestyle, scoring higher in all three categories compared to Chattanooga. You'll find Durham's architecture predominantly features Colonial Revival and modern styles, reflecting the city's rich history and its status as a hub for education and research. Noteworthy, Durham's real estate listings often highlight proximity to prestigious research institutions and a wealth of cultural amenities, contrasting with Chattanooga's focus on scenic views and outdoor activities. This underscores the unique lifestyle and priorities of residents in each city.
Chattanooga vs. Durham Weather Considerations
If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather will compare between Chattanooga, TN and Durham, NC. This comparison aims to prepare you for the climate differences you'll experience in your new city.
Chattanooga, TN
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chattanooga, TN
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chattanooga, TN
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chattanooga, TN
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Chattanooga | Durham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Thunderstorms, Tornadoes | Thunderstorms, Hurricanes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While Chattanooga and Durham share similar summer and winter temperatures, you'll find more consistent sunshine and slightly lower annual rainfall in Durham. However, Durham experiences a bit more snowfall each winter, although still modest, it's double what Chattanooga receives. Both cities face humidity and allergens like pollen and mold, but residents moving from Chattanooga to Durham may notice a slight improvement in air quality. Whether you're preparing for thunderstorms in Chattanooga or the occasional hurricane threat in Durham, understanding these weather nuances will help you adjust to your new environment more comfortably.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chattanooga to Durham
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Durham, NC, you’ll find different financial landscapes. Understanding these differences is crucial to planning your move. From the average household income to the cost of living index and state taxes in Chattanooga and Durham, this comparison helps you set realistic expectations and budget effectively for your new life.
Comparison | Chattanooga | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,065 | $71,343 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.1 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | No Income Tax | 5.25 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.75 | 0.84 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 7.5 |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education | Education, Healthcare, Technology |
Affluence | Modest | Moderately affluent |
Poverty | Higher than average | Average |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
While both Chattanooga and Durham boast vibrant economies and diverse job markets, the details of their financial landscapes reveal key differences important for relocators. For instance, Durham displays a slightly higher average household income which could be attributed to its thriving technology sector, a top industry not as prevalent in Chattanooga. However, this income benefit is somewhat offset by North Carolina's state income tax—a cost not present in Tennessee. Additionally, Durham's cost of living is marginally higher, though both cities remain more affordable than many urban centers in the United States. Understanding these nuances helps in making informed decisions about housing, expenses, and lifestyle expectations in your new city.
Chattanooga vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another can bring significant changes in community culture. This guide offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot aimed at comparing the political and religious makeup of residents between Chattanooga, TN, and Durham, NC . Understanding these aspects could help you adjust more smoothly to your new surroundings.
Chattanooga | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately conservative | Liberal/Progressive |
Local Politics | Lean towards Republican | Dominantly Democratic |
Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian | Less religious, diverse religious communities |
When you move from Chattanooga to Durham, you'll notice a significant shift in the political landscape. Chattanooga's moderate conservatism contrasts with Durham's liberal and progressive atmosphere. This is reflected in their local politics, with Chattanooga leaning more towards Republican candidates, while Durham is known for its strong Democratic leanings. The religious environment between these two cities also shows a distinct difference. Chattanooga has a high percentage of religious residents, primarily Christian, including significant engagement with local churches like Red Bank Baptist Church. Durham, while still home to many churches such as Hope Valley Baptist Church, represents a less religious populace with a broader diversity of religious beliefs and practices. Understanding these differences can help you acclimate to the local culture and community in Durham.
Chattanooga vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving to a new city can bring about challenges, especially when it comes to getting around. This guide aims to compare the traffic and transportation options between Chattanooga, TN & Durham, NC, helping you better understand the differences in daily commutes and traffic conditions.
Comparison | Chattanooga | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 22 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible but limited |
When you move from Chattanooga to Durham, you’ll find that the average commute time is slightly less in Durham, facilitating a quicker journey to your destination. However, both cities face their unique challenges regarding traffic congestion and public transit. Chattanooga offers a bit more in terms of public transit options, which could be due to its investment in services like the CARTA bus system. On the other hand, Durham's commute can be managed without a car, but the experience might be limited compared to larger cities. Navigating the public transit systems effectively will play a key role in your ability to explore and enjoy all the amenities these cities have to offer.



Additional Resources
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