Best Milwaukee to Durham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Milwaukee to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 877 mile move from Wisconsin to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Milwaukee 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 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 | About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.32 | 9.33 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.07 | 8.7 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Milwaukee to Durham
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 877 miles from Milwaukee, WI to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,527 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Milwaukee to Durham move is roughly $6,067. 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 | $1,700 | 300 ft³ | 5.67 |
1 Bedroom | $2,527 | 450 ft³ | 5.62 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,174 | 750 ft³ | 5.57 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,067 | 1100 ft³ | 5.52 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,745 | 1600 ft³ | 5.47 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,748 | 1800 ft³ | 5.42 |


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

About Time Moving Systems LLC
4909 8th Ave
Kenosha, WI, 53140
About About Time Moving Systems LLC
This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation services. About Time...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2525330 / 877057 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2022) |

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
310 Progress Way Suite 140
Sun Prairie, WI, 53590
About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2627768 / 1031866 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 14 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 173,000 (2023) |

The Go To Guys, LLC
Bayside, WI, 53217
About The Go To Guys, LLC
The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the...
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3760134 / 1338262 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (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.
Milwaukee vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be exciting, yet daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local communities. To help you transition smoothly, we've created a comparison of popular neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI, & Durham, NC . This guide aims to match you with a Durham neighborhood that shares the spirit and vibe of your current Milwaukee stomping grounds, making your relocation feel like home from day one.
Milwaukee | Durham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Bay View | Trinity Park | Historic charm, vibrant local scene |
Third Ward | American Tobacco District | Trendy shops, lively arts |
East Side | Ninth Street | Eclectic mix, youthful vibe |
Walker’s Point | Central Park | Innovative food scene, artsy |
Historic Third Ward | Brightleaf | Historical buildings, boutique shopping |
Wauwatosa | Hope Valley | Family-friendly, spacious parks |
Shorewood | Woodcroft | Quiet, leafy streets, community feel |
Brady Street | Geer Street | Active nightlife, diverse cuisine |
Historic Mitchell St. | Golden Belt | Rich culture, historical significance |
Riverwest | Warehouse District | Bohemian vibes, music scene |
If you're departing the eclectic vibes of Milwaukee's East Side, renowned for its diverse dining and thriving cultural scene along Brady Street, you'll find a kindred spirit in Durham's Ninth Street, pulsating with youthful energy, indie bookstores, and unique eateries. Connoisseurs of the arts and foodies alike who enjoyed the dynamic ambiance of Walker’s Point will revel in Central Park’s food truck rodeos and community markets. Meanwhile, those appreciating the family-oriented aspect of Wauwatosa, with its spacious parks and inviting neighborhood gatherings, will find a seamless transition to the welcoming streets of Hope Valley, boasting sprawling parks perfect for weekend picnics or leisurely strolls. Whether it's the historical allure, the bustling nightlife, or the tranquil parks you're hoping to rediscover in Durham, this guide aims to bridge the familiarity of Milwaukee's cherished neighborhoods with the exciting prospects of your new Durham community.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to Durham
Moving from one city to another is a journey filled with mixed emotions and expectations. Here, we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Milwaukee, WI to Durham, NC . This comparison will shed light on what you're leaving behind and what you can look forward to in your new home.
- Harsher winters
- Less cultural diversity
- Lower tech job availability
- Smaller city vibe
- Milder winters
- More cultural diversity
- Higher tech job availability
- Larger city feel
- Less historical sites
- Costlier housing
- Less beer variety
- Fewer festivals
- Rich historical heritage
- More affordable housing
- Strong beer culture
- Prolific festival scene
While leaving Milwaukee means saying goodbye to its iconic lakefront festivals like Summerfest and lauded institutions like the Milwaukee Art Museum, Durham welcomes you with its vibrant tech scene, notably at Research Triangle Park. The shift from Milwaukee's cozy community feel to Durham's bustling, diverse atmosphere presents new opportunities. You'll swap out the heavy snow for Durham's mild winters, perfect for enjoying year-round outdoor activities at places like Eno River State Park. Though you might miss Milwaukee's extensive array of breweries, Durham offers a culinary scene with gems like Pizzeria Toro and thriving farmers' markets, painting a lively, community-focused landscape for your new beginning.
Milwaukee vs. Durham Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & Durham to help you understand the gastronomic differences as you plan your move. Food plays a crucial role in the local culture and everyday life, making this comparison invaluable for getting a taste of what your new home has to offer.
Milwaukee | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Barbecue Ribs |
Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Pulled Pork |
Most popular street food item | Frozen Custard | Food Truck Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Cheese Platter | Vegan BBQ Sandwich |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving to Durham, you'll find a vibrant food scene with a strong emphasis on barbecue and innovative vegan options. Restaurants like Bull City Burger and Brewery and The Pit highlight the city's dedication to both traditional and modern takes on southern cuisine. Durham's food truck scene, particularly for items like tacos, is noteworthy and reflective of the city's diverse culinary landscape. The city's higher scores in health consciousness and vegan friendliness speak to a community that values dietary inclusivity and wellness, making it an exciting place for food enthusiasts to explore new tastes and trends.
Milwaukee vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a significant role in making a new place feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Milwaukee and Durham will assist in discovering new go-to spots, easing the transition and finding comfort in the familiar tastes and ambiance of eateries from your current city, Milwaukee, to your new city, Durham.
Milwaukee | Durham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Sanford | Mateo Bar de Tapas | Spanish-inspired cuisine with a creative twist |
Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro | Parizade | Elegant European dining experience |
Odd Duck | Pizzeria Toro | Eclectic menu with a cozy, innovative touch |
Conejito's Place | El Rodeo | Authentic and affordable Mexican food |
Ardent | M Sushi | High-end sushi with meticulous attention to detail |
Sobelman's | Bull City Burger and Brewery | Known for local ingredients and craft beer |
Blue's Egg | Monuts | Unique breakfast options and doughnuts |
Kopp's Frozen Custard | The Parlour | Artisanal ice cream with inventive flavors |
La Merenda | Viceroy | Modern Indian dining with a global twist |
Honeypie Cafe | Foster's Market | Homestyle cooking with a southern flair |
Exploring the culinary landscapes of both Milwaukee and Durham reveals an enticing array of options catering to varied palates. For instance, Sanford's fame for offering an upscale dining experience in Milwaukee is closely mirrored by Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham, where the focus on Spanish-inspired cuisine brings a fresh and innovative gastronomic adventure. Similarly, the transition from the iconic custard at Kopp's Frozen Custard to The Parlour's artisanal ice creams provides an element of sweet continuity with a local twist. Those who cherish the community and craft of Sobelman's burgers will find a welcoming atmosphere and dedication to quality ingredients at Bull City Burger and Brewery. It's these close culinary correlations that promise a smoother relocation, ensuring that the unique dining experiences you cherished in Milwaukee can be rediscovered and relished anew in Durham.

Ready to start your move?
Milwaukee vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current city and your potential new one is crucial. It provides a snapshot of what to expect financially and lifestyle-wise. Real estate comparison between Milwaukee and Durham embodies such an exploration, delving into costs, styles, and livability to offer a comprehensive understanding of your next possibly best decision.
Comparison | Milwaukee | Durham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Colonial | Ranch, Colonial Revival |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Quiet neighborhoods, proximity to breweries | Access to research and tech hubs, vibrant arts scene |
The stark contrast in the median home prices and monthly rent between Milwaukee and Durham is just the tip of the iceberg. For instance, while Durham boasts a vibrant arts scene and access to burgeoning research and technology hubs, it's also home to classical architecture styles like Ranch and Colonial Revival — reflective of the city's rich history and diverse culture. Milwaukee, with its Craftsman and Colonial homes, offers an urban lifestyle with a slightly higher walkability and bikeability score, indicating a city better suited for those who love to explore on foot or bike. Additionally, Milwaukee's real estate listings often highlight the city's quiet neighborhoods and proximity to dynamic breweries, a nod to the local culture and social scene.
Milwaukee vs. Durham Weather Considerations
Relocating means adapting to new weather patterns. Understanding the weather comparison between Milwaukee, WI, and Durham, NC is key to experiencing a smoother transition. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for your move.
Milwaukee, WI
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Milwaukee, WI
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Milwaukee, WI
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Milwaukee, WI
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Milwaukee | Durham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Varies (Mostly Good) |
Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold waves | Hurricanes, Thunderstorms |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Milwaukee experiences significant seasonal variation with colder, snowy winters and mild summers, whereas Durham enjoys warmer summers and milder winters with less snowfall. This means you'll likely require a lighter winter wardrobe in Durham but should also prepare for hotter summers and potentially more intense storms, including hurricanes. The increase in sunny days in Durham could be a delightful change if you're moving from Milwaukee, offering more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Both cities have similar challenges with pollen and mold allergies, meaning if you're sensitive, you'll want to be equally prepared in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Milwaukee to Durham
When planning a move from one city to another, like from Milwaukee, WI to Durham, NC, it's crucial to wrap your head around the financial adjustments you'll need to make. This comparison aims to highlight the cost of living, taxes, and economic environment you'll encounter, setting the stage for a smoother transition.
Comparison | Milwaukee | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $46,637 | $71,343 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.9 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | 4 - 7.65% | 5.25% |
Avg. Property Tax | 2.17% | 0.84% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.6% | 7.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail | Education, Health Care, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | High | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Moderate |
Shifting from Milwaukee to Durham comes with a notable increase in the average household income, which could be attributed to Durham's high concentration of technology and education sectors. However, this bump in potential earnings is accompanied by a higher cost of living and sales tax. Durham's property tax rate significantly undercuts Milwaukee’s, offering some financial reprieve. The economic landscape of both cities is shaped by their leading industries; manufacturing and retail in Milwaukee contrast with Durham’s tech-driven market. These economic nuances play a substantial role in the cost of living and overall quality of life you can expect in your new city.
Milwaukee vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Milwaukee & Durham. It's designed to help you understand the general social and cultural environment you're moving into, highlighting the differences and similarities of each city.
Milwaukee | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Focus on urban development, public education | Emphasis on progressive policies, social justice |
Religion | Catholic strong presence, diverse religious communities | Protestant influence through institutions, inclusive religious scene |
In both Milwaukee and Durham, the political landscape is primarily Democratic, but Durham exhibits a notably stronger leaning towards progressive policies and social justice initiatives that reflect its community's values. The focus in Milwaukee on urban development and public education presents a contrast to Durham's emphasis, highlighting the different priorities of each city. Religiously, Milwaukee has a significant Catholic presence, supported by longstanding institutions, while Durham's religious scene is more influenced by Protestantism with a notable inclusivity towards various faiths. This diversity enriches the cultural fabric of both cities, offering you a vibrant community to be a part of.
Milwaukee vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Durham, NC, it's crucial to understand the differences in daily commutes and transportation options. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Milwaukee & Durham will equip you with essential insights for navigating your new city more effectively.
Comparison | Milwaukee | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 24 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Possibly | It's challenging |
While the average commute time is slightly longer in Durham, it's notable that both cities have their unique challenges when it comes to getting around. In Milwaukee, the blend of bus lines and bike lanes offered by the Milwaukee County Transit System allows for a reasonably flexible public transportation system, though a car is beneficial for certain areas and times. On the other hand, Durham's reliance on the GoDurham bus service and limited routes can make it more challenging to navigate the city without a car. Understanding these nuances will help you adjust your daily commuting plans and explore the feasibility of relying solely on public transit in your new hometown.



Additional Resources
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