Best Austin to Durham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Austin to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,320 mile move from Texas to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Austin 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 MoverTron Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Austin 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 Austin to Durham Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MoverTron Moving | 9.44 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
3 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Heavenly Moving and Storage | 9.29 | 9.38 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Amen Moving | 9.20 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Austin to Durham
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,320 miles from Austin, TX to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,904 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Austin to Durham move is roughly $6,988. 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 | $1,951 | 300 ft³ | 6.50 |
1 Bedroom | $2,904 | 450 ft³ | 6.45 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,802 | 750 ft³ | 6.40 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,988 | 1100 ft³ | 6.35 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,084 | 1600 ft³ | 6.30 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,255 | 1800 ft³ | 6.25 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Austin guide.
Compare the 5 Best Austin to Durham Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

MoverTron Moving
Briarcliff, TX, 78669
Services
- Local Moving
- Residential Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4135479 / 1584479 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

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) |

Heavenly Moving and Storage

9311 N Fm 620
Austin, TX, 78726
About Heavenly Moving and Storage
Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-quality packing...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Full-service packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3429695 / 1110864 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
Registered Drivers | 10 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2021) |
Amen Moving
Volente, TX, 78726
About Amen Moving
Amen Moving is a professional moving company based in Austin, TX. The company specializes in out of state moving and packing...
Services
- Out of state moving services
- Packing services
- Office moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3119927 / 87368 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 220,000 (2024) |

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.
Austin vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison
When considering a move from Austin, TX to Durham, NC, understanding the local neighborhoods can significantly ease the transition. This guide is designed to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your current city as a baseline. We'll conduct a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Austin, TX & Durham, NC to find the most similar areas in terms of vibe, amenities, and community culture.
Austin | Durham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
South Congress | Ninth Street | Eclectic shops and dining |
Travis Heights | Trinity Park | Historic homes, leafy streets |
Zilker | Old West Durham | Outdoor activities, laid-back |
Barton Hills | Forest Hills | Green spaces, community feel |
Hyde Park | Watts-Hillandale | Charm, walkable neighborhoods |
East Austin | Golden Belt | Artsy, vibrant community vibe |
Tarrytown | Hope Valley | Upscale, family-friendly |
Allandale | Woodcroft | Access to nature, suburban feel |
Cherrywood | Geer Street | Diverse, progressive atmosphere |
Clarksville | Duke Park | Historic charm, tight-knit community |
In Ninth Street, which mirrors Austin's South Congress, you'll find a bustling area teeming with unique shops and dining options such as Viceroy and Elmo's Diner, perfect for those looking for an eclectic mix reminiscent of their Austin lifestyle. For lovers of the outdoors and community-driven neighborhoods, look no further than Old West Durham, echoing Zilker's vibe with its access to lush parks and a relaxed atmosphere. Notably, Durham's Forest Hills, comparable to Barton Hills, provides an idyllic setting with green spaces like Forest Hills Park, fostering a sense of community. Trinity Park and Watts-Hillandale are great if you're seeking historic homes and walkable streets, much like you'd find in Travis Heights and Hyde Park in Austin, offering both charm and a strong sense of neighborhood identity.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Austin to Durham
Deciding to relocate involves weighing multiple factors to ensure a seamless transition. This comparison aims to present an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Austin, TX to Durham, NC, to help you navigate your relocation decision effectively.
- Higher cost of living
- Intense summer heat
- Traffic congestion
- Limited public transport
- Lower cost of living
- Milder summer weather
- Less traffic
- Better public transport
- Smaller music scene
- Fewer tech jobs
- More variable weather
- Less diverse cuisine
- Vibrant music scene
- Tech job hub
- Lots of sunny days
- Diverse food options
While weighing the pros and cons of moving from Austin, TX, to Durham, NC, one can't help but consider the lifestyle changes that come with it. In Durham, you'll enjoy a lower cost of living, allowing you to explore its rich culinary scene, with gems like Pizzeria Toro and Fullsteam Brewery reflecting the city's growing reputation for great food and craft beer. The milder summer weather makes outdoor activities such as visiting the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or hiking in Eno River State Park more enjoyable year-round. Though you may miss Austin's unbeatable live music scene, Durham offers its own charm with vibrant cultural festivals and a close-knit community atmosphere. Moving to Durham means embracing a slower pace of life but with no shortage of things to explore and enjoy.
Austin vs. Durham Food Guide
Food shapes the local culture and everyday life, significantly influencing what living in a new city feels like. This guide offers a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between Austin & Durham to better inform you about the culinary scene awaiting in your new home.
Austin | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | BBQ Brisket | Carolina-style BBQ |
Most popular meat dish | Tacos al Pastor | Fried Chicken |
Most popular street food item | Breakfast Tacos | Food Truck Burgers |
Most popular vegan food | Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
The culinary landscapes of Austin and Durham offer a vibrant mix of traditional and innovative cuisines. In Austin, the breakfast taco reigns supreme, an easy and delicious start to any day, best experienced at local haunts in the South Congress neighborhood. On the other hand, Durham's food scene prides itself on Carolina-style BBQ and an emerging vegan scene, with places like the Piedmont Restaurant offering locally sourced, inventive dishes. Food trucks are a staple in both cities, reflecting a deep appreciation for diverse, casual dining experiences. Whether indulging in Austin's famed BBQ brisket or exploring Durham's boutique eateries, the food scene in both cities is a robust reflection of their rich cultural tapestries.
Austin vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great food spots. This chart aims to make Austin to Durham relocations smoother by comparing top restaurants from your current hometown to potential new favorites. Whether you're craving high-end dining or casual eats, you'll find your match in Durham.
Austin | Durham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Franklin Barbecue | Picnic | Classic smokehouse BBQ with a local, farm-to-table ethos |
Uchi | M Sushi | High-quality, innovative sushi focusing on fresh seafood |
Home Slice Pizza | Pompieri Pizza | Neapolitan pizzas in a cozy, repurposed firehouse setting |
Torchy’s Tacos | NuvoTaco | Unique and inventive tacos in a vibrant setting |
Matt’s El Rancho | El Rodeo | Homestyle Mexican cuisine known for its hearty portions and authentic flavors |
Sway | Dashi | A culinary blend of Japanese ramen and pub, with bold flavors and inventive dishes |
Olamaie | Mateo Bar de Tapas | Southern charm meets Spanish flair in a refined, inviting space |
Odd Duck | Bar Virgile | Farm-to-table American fare with a commitment to local sourcing and inventive dishes |
Launderette | Scratch Kitchen & Taproom | Casual, creative American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients |
Barley Swine | Mothers & Sons | A focus on artisanal dishes, celebrating Italian cuisine with a modern twist |
Each of these dining destinations pairs Austin's beloved flavors with Durham's unique culinary landscape. Franklin Barbecue and Picnic both pride themselves on their meticulous approach to barbecue, using locally sourced meats and traditional smoking techniques to create unforgettable dishes. Meanwhile, sushi aficionados transitioning from Uchi will find a new haven in M Sushi - a place where the artistry of sushi making and the freshness of ingredients come together to create extraordinary dining experiences. And for those who can't live without their weekly taco fix, NuvoTaco in Durham serves up innovative tacos that rival the creativity and flavor of Torchy’s Tacos. It's these careful pairings that ensure you'll find a slice of Austin's vibrant culinary scene right in the heart of Durham.

Ready to start your move?
Austin vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a critical aspect when considering a move. Understanding how Austin, TX and Durham, NC compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and livability is essential for making an informed decision. This comparison will help you grasp the differences in real estate dynamics between these two vibrant cities.
Comparison | Austin | Durham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern, Ranch | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to tech hubs, Green spaces | Historic neighborhoods, University proximity |
Housing affordability varies significantly between Austin and Durham, with Durham offering lower median home prices and rent, making it a more budget-friendly option for many. Austin’s modern and ranch-style homes contrast with Durham's colonial and craftsman architectures, reflecting their unique cultural histories. Both cities offer decent walkability and bikeability, though Austin edges out slightly in urban lifestyle, likely due to its booming tech industry and abundance of green spaces. For those drawn to historic neighborhoods or wishing to live near prestigious universities like Duke, Durham's real estate listings frequently highlight these attributes.
Austin vs. Durham Weather Considerations
Understanding how the climate varies from Austin, TX to Durham, NC is crucial when relocating. This guide will highlight the weather differences to help you anticipate the changes you'll experience. By comparing Austin's sunny, warm climate to Durham's more varied seasonal weather, you'll be better prepared for your move.
Austin, TX
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Austin, TX
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Austin, TX
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Austin, TX
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Austin | Durham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Floods, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Ice storms |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Austin and Durham enjoy a generous amount of sunshine throughout the year, with Austin leading slightly, Durham experiences a higher annual rainfall and more snow, indicating more varied seasonal changes than Austin's relatively steady warm climate. The slight difference in humidity levels adds to Durham's cooler winters and milder summers when compared to the often intense, dry heat of an Austin summer. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for Durham's more pronounced seasons, ensuring you're ready for anything from summer humidity to winter snowfall.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Austin to Durham
When considering a move from Austin, TX, to Durham, NC, it's crucial to evaluate how the cost of living and finance factors will impact you. This comparison helps in understanding how your financial health will shape up in your new city, making the transition smoother and more predictable. Let's delve into the specifics of Austin and Durham related to money and finance.
Comparison | Austin | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $79,542 | $71,343 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.5 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | 0 | Flat 5.25 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.83% | 0.84% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Real Estate, Health Services | Education, Health Services, Technology |
Affluence | Moderately affluent | Comparatively modest |
Poverty | Lower | Moderate |
Homelessness | Concerning | Less prominent |
The financial landscape of Austin and Durham presents a contrasting picture. With an average household income in Austin considerably higher than in Durham, you might find more disposable income on hand. However, this is balanced by a higher cost of living and property tax rates. Notably, Texas has no state income tax, which may offer some financial relief compared to the flat rate of 5.25% in North Carolina. The cost of living index further underscores Durham as a more affordable option, with a lower index indicating less strain on your budget for the same quality of life. When it comes to housing, Austin's property tax rate is significantly higher than Durham's, possibly affecting long-term homeownership affordability. These financial considerations are crucial when planning your move, especially in budgeting for living expenses and understanding the local economic environment.
Austin vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison
When relocating from Austin, TX, to Durham, NC, understanding the community you're about to join is essential. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Austin & Durham , giving you a feel for the local atmosphere in each city.
Austin | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
Local Politics | Environmental and social justice issues prioritize | Focus on educational and healthcare reforms, alongside social equity |
Religion | Less religiously affiliated, diverse religious communities | Higher religiosity, strong Christian presence |
As you plan your move from Austin to Durham, understanding the deeper nuances of each city's culture and values becomes crucial. Both cities lean towards liberal political ideologies, but they prioritize different issues: Austin with its emphasis on environment and social justice and Durham focusing more on education and healthcare. The fabric of religious life also varies, with Austin displaying less religious affiliation across a spectrum of beliefs, while Durham hosts a more pronounced Christian community. Knowing these distinctions can help you navigate your new surroundings and integrate more smoothly into your new community.
Austin vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This short guide aims to offer insights into the daily commute and traffic scenarios by contrasting traffic and transportation options between Austin & Durham. Moving to a new city can be daunting, but understanding these aspects can significantly ease your transition.
Comparison | Austin | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 22 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Challenging | Possible but difficult |
When comparing Austin and Durham, you'll notice several differences in their commuting experiences. Austin's average commute time is slightly longer, and the city experiences higher levels of traffic congestion, largely due to its rapid growth and infrastructure challenges. Though public transit exists, getting around without a car might be tricky. On the other hand, Durham offers a somewhat more relaxed commute with less congestion and a marginally better public transit system, making it slightly easier to navigate without personal transportation. However, like many cities in the US, having a car is still advantageous for convenience and efficiency in both locations.



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