Best Richmond to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Richmond to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 151 mile move from Virginia to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Richmond 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 $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Richmond 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 Richmond to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Estes SureMove9.219.68Authorized For PropertyContact
4On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA9.199.58Authorized For HHGContact
5Two Men and a Truck8.968.87Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Richmond to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 151 miles from Richmond, VA to Durham, NC will cost on average $1,623 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Richmond to Durham move is roughly $3,874. 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$1,095300 ft³3.65
1 Bedroom$1,623450 ft³3.61
2 Bedrooms$2,673750 ft³3.56
3 Bedrooms$3,8741100 ft³3.52
4 Bedrooms$5,5671600 ft³3.48
5+ Bedrooms$6,1871800 ft³3.44
*Please note: These Virginia to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & 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 VA to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Richmond guide.

Compare the 5 Best Richmond 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
Estes SureMove Logo

Estes SureMove

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 1,255+ data points

3901 W Broad St

Richmond, VA, 23230

About Estes SureMove

The most significant cause of stress when moving is the cost. Traditional full-service movers can take care of everything for you,...

Services

  • Home moving
  • Employee relocations
  • Add-ons (such as same-day pickup)

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

121018 / 97275

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Broker

Registered Trucks/Vans9,075
Registered Drivers8,573
Total Annual Miles Moved586,187,648 (2023)
View Full Review
3
On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA Logo

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 957+ data points

424 E Grace St # 92

Richmond, VA, 23219

About On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC - Richmond, VA

On The Fly Moving Guys, LLC is a family-owned and operated moving company based in Richmond, VA. They provide local and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Moving Helpers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3865625 / 1413617

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved8,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.96/10
based on 3,899+ data points

8403 Sanford Dr

Henrico, VA, 23228

About Two Men and a Truck

With over 30 years’ experience and 350 locations worldwide, Two Men and a Truck is a trusted name in the moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2988823 / 17957

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2023)
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.

Richmond vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've done a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Richmond, VA & Durham, NC . By matching the vibes and amenities of top neighborhoods in Richmond with their closest counterparts in Durham, we aim to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings using a city you already know as a baseline.

RichmondDurhamHow They're Similar
The FanTrinity ParkHistoric homes, vibrant community feel
Church HillOld West DurhamRich history, local eateries
Scott's AdditionGeer StreetBustling with breweries and hangouts
CarytownNinth StreetEclectic shops, unique dining options
Museum DistrictWarehouse DistrictArt and cultural scene
Shockoe SlipAmerican Tobacco DistrictHistory meets modern nightlife
Short PumpSouthpointShopping and dining galore
Libbie-GroveBrightleafCharming, with a touch of sophistication
BellevueHope ValleyQuiet, family-friendly atmosphere
ManchesterGolden BeltIndustrial vibe, arts community

For Richmond residents accustomed to the quaint boutiques and eateries of Carytown, Durham's Ninth Street will feel like a seamless transition, boasting its own array of eclectic shops and dining experiences. Feel at home among the art galleries and cultural hotspots of the Warehouse District, reminiscent of Richmond’s own Museum District. Meanwhile, lovers of the vibrant nightlife and historic ambience of Shockoe Slip will find the American Tobacco District in Durham an intriguing blend of the old and the new, with repurposed factory buildings now housing restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Trinity Park’s tree-lined streets and distinct architectural styles provide a comforting similarity to Richmond's The Fan, while those moving from neighborhoods like Bellevue will appreciate the serene, family-oriented atmosphere of Hope Valley, where parks and schools reflect a strong community vibe.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Richmond to Durham

Moving from one city to another is a decision that warrants a deep dive into what each location has to offer and what it lacks. This comparison between Richmond, VA and Durham, NC aims to shed light on the pros and cons of relocating, offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this move.

CONs
PROs
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less tech jobs
  • Smaller arts scene
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower crime rates
  • More tech opportunities
  • Larger arts community
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Fewer historic landmarks
  • Smaller green spaces
  • Fewer cultural events
Richmond, VA iconRichmond, VA
  • Historic landmarks
  • Larger parks
  • Rich cultural events

Richmond, known for its rich history, boasts a plethora of historic landmarks such as the Virginia State Capitol and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. On the other hand, Durham, while having fewer historic landmarks, shines with its vibrant arts community, featuring venues like the Durham Performing Arts Center. Both cities offer unique green spaces. Richmond’s larger parks like Byrd Park serve as a city oasis, whereas Durham’s smaller green areas, like Sarah P. Duke Gardens, provide a tranquil escape. For tech professionals, Durham presents more opportunities, particularly in the Research Triangle Park, known for its high concentration of tech companies and startups. Ultimately, the choice between Richmond and Durham hinges on what aspects of city life you prioritize.

Richmond vs. Durham Food Guide

Understanding the local food scene is crucial for anyone planning to move, as food is a significant part of local culture and everyday life. This guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between Richmond, VA, and Durham, NC , to help you get a better sense of the culinary delights awaiting you in your new home.

RichmondDurham
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamCarolina-style BBQ
Most popular meat dishFried CatfishPulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque
  • Stella's
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring the culinary landscape of Durham, NC, you'll find that Carolina-style BBQ, especially pulled pork sandwiches, holds a special place in the hearts of locals. This reflects the city's deep-rooted appreciation for smoked meats and savory flavors. Durham prides itself on being highly vegan-friendly, with establishments like Seitan Steak leading the charge in innovative plant-based cuisine. The city's food scene is vibrant and diverse, thanks in part to neighborhoods like Central Park, which hosts a lively food truck scene. Here, you can indulge in everything from gourmet tacos to experimental vegan dishes, reflecting Durham's progressive and inclusive food culture.

Richmond vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Embarking on a new chapter in Durham, NC, doesn't mean leaving behind the flavors of Richmond, VA. Food is a cornerstone of feeling at home. This restaurant comparison is dedicated to helping you transition from Richmond to Durham by highlighting familiar dining experiences. Let this serve as your culinary compass to finding new favorite spots, turning a new city into home.

RichmondDurhamWhat You'll Love
L'OpossumMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer an eclectic, upscale dining experience with a unique twist on traditional dishes.
Mama J's KitchenBullock's Bar-B-CueBoth are iconic for their comfort food, offering authentic, homestyle dishes.
LehjaViceroyBoth restaurants provide a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, with a focus on flavorful, creative dishes.
Stella'sParizadeOffering Mediterranean-inspired dishes, both establishments boast a warm atmosphere and a diverse menu.
The RooseveltCounting HouseEach is known for its inventive American cuisine and use of local ingredients in a refined setting.
Sally Bell's KitchenScratch BakeryBoth have a long history and are beloved for their home-baked goods and classic lunch offerings.
ZZQ Texas Craft BarbequePicnicBoth specialize in craft barbecue, focusing on quality meats smoked to perfection and served with traditional sides.
Eat at Joe'sEat at Joe's DinerWith a classic diner vibe, both spots offer affordable, hearty breakfasts and lunches in a casual setting.
Perly'sFoster's MarketBoth offer a unique twist on deli classics, with a focus on fresh ingredients and homemade dishes.
Rappahannock Oyster BarSaint James SeafoodBoth celebrate the best of seafood dining, featuring fresh oysters and a variety of sea-to-table offerings.

When venturing into Durham's dining scene, Mateo Bar de Tapas emerges as a standout, reminiscent of the unique culinary experience found at L'Opossum in Richmond. Both restaurants immerse you in an atmosphere where the traditional meets the inventive. Similarly, for those who cherish the intimate and heartwarming flavors of classic Indian cuisine, Viceroy offers a parallel experience to Lehja, focusing on blending traditional spices with a modern twist. Meanwhile, BBQ lovers transitioning from Richmond's ZZQ to Durham will find Picnic a delightful continuation of high-quality, smoked meats and Southern hospitality. It's in these nuanced comparisons that the essence of Richmond's diverse culinary landscape finds continuity in Durham, promising a seamless transition for every palate.

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Richmond vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, diving into the real estate dynamics between Richmond, VA , and Durham, NC unveils crucial insights into your decision-making. This comparison offers a detailed landscape of housing costs, styles, and living quality , laying down a clear perspective for potential movers.

ComparisonRichmondDurham
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianModernist, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric charm, green spacesProximity to research and education, tech hubs

Richmond and Durham offer contrasting yet appealing real estate nuances. Richmond's Colonial and Victorian architecture reflect its deep historical roots, making it a haven for those attracted to histories and green spaces. Conversely, Durham's leaning towards Modernist and Ranch styles caters to a more contemporary crowd, closely intertwined with its status as a tech and academic hub. The slightly higher living costs in Durham are a testament to its burgeoning tech industry and proximity to renowned research institutions. Meanwhile, Richmond provides a slightly more affordable and active urban lifestyle, underscored by its walkability and bikeability, appealing to those who relish city life without the hefty price tag.

Richmond vs. Durham Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another can significantly change your daily life, especially when it comes to weather. Understanding how Richmond and Durham weather differ will help you prepare for your move. This comparison aims to highlight climate differences and ease your transition.

Summer icon
89/71

Richmond, VA

89/68

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
48/29

Richmond, VA

50/30

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43.6

Richmond, VA

41.4

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Richmond, VA

4

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonRichmondDurham
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsHurricanes, floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While the average high temperatures in the summer are nearly identical in Richmond and Durham, you'll notice a subtle difference in the average low temperatures, making Durham's nights slightly cooler. Additionally, Durham enjoys a few more days of sunshine yearly than Richmond, which could influence outdoor activities and lifestyle choices. Both cities share similar annual humidity levels and face the same types of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods. Understanding these nuances will help you better adjust to your new environment, especially in terms of outdoor activities, potential home damages from natural disasters, and managing allergies.

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

When you're moving from one location to another, understanding the financial landscape of your new city is crucial. This guide provides a comparison to help you gauge the cost of living and financial indices between Richmond, VA, and Durham, NC, highlighting the differences you might experience in terms of income, taxes, and more.

ComparisonRichmondDurham
Avg. Household Income$51,770$71,343
Cost of Living Index104.596.6
State Income Tax5.755.25
Avg. Property Tax0.80.9
Avg. Sales Tax5.34.75
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Finance, EducationEducation, Health care, Information Technology
Affluencemoderatemoderately high
Povertynoticeableless noticeable
Homelessnesspresentpresent but less prevalent

Moving from Richmond, VA to Durham, NC, you'll find slight but potentially impactful financial differences. Durham tends to have a higher average household income coupled with a lower cost of living index, suggesting your dollar might go further here. Additionally, the lower state income and sales taxes in Durham can positively affect your take-home pay and spending power. While both cities boast rich cultural and economic backbones with government and education as common top industries, Durham's rising prominence in health care and tech could offer new professional opportunities. This economic environment contributes to Durham's moderately higher affluence level, paired with a lesser degree of poverty and homelessness compared to Richmond.

Richmond vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another often involves more than just a change of scenery. Understanding the comparison of the politics between Richmond & Durham and the religious beliefs of their residents can provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot, helping you to align your values with your new community. Here's a glance at what to expect.

RichmondDurham
Political Make-upLiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsDemocratically LedDemocratically Led
ReligionMixed, with a strong presence of Christian and non-religious groupsMixed, with significant representation of Christian, non-religious, and other faiths

In both Richmond and Durham, you'll find a liberal political leaning with local governance predominantly under Democratic leadership. This means that the policies and community initiatives might feel familiar as you transition. The religious landscape in both cities is diverse, offering a mix of faiths with a noticeable presence of Christianity and non-religious groups. It reflects a broad inclusivity and acceptance of different perspectives, which might be important to your social and spiritual integration. Whether you're looking for a church in Richmond or a community center in Durham, you'll find options that cater to a wide array of beliefs and practices.

Richmond vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Richmond, VA to Durham, NC will bring changes in your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Richmond & Durham aims to help you better understand what to expect in both cities.

ComparisonRichmondDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingDifficult

In Richmond, you might find a slightly higher level of traffic congestion compared to Durham, but the availability of public transit is modestly better, making car-free living somewhat more feasible. However, both cities present challenges for those choosing not to have a vehicle, with Durham having lesser public transit options. On average, your commute time would slightly reduce upon moving to Durham, although the difference may not significantly impact your daily routine. Despite this, understanding and navigating the public transit systems available in either city can be crucial for days when driving isn't an option or when looking to reduce your carbon footprint.

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