Best Cary to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Cary to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 22 mile long distance North Carolina move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 149 Cary 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 Dogwood Moving Co.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $3,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Cary 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 Cary to Durham Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexContact
1Dogwood Moving Co.9.829.77Contact
2Brightleaf Moving Co.9.499.58Contact
3Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6Contact
4J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer9.389.46Contact
5Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Contact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Cary to Durham

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 22 miles from Cary, NC to Durham, NC will cost on average $1,530 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Cary to Durham move is roughly $3,646. 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$1,033300 ft³3.44
1 Bedroom$1,530450 ft³3.40
2 Bedrooms$2,518750 ft³3.36
3 Bedrooms$3,6461100 ft³3.31
4 Bedrooms$5,2361600 ft³3.27
5+ Bedrooms$5,8141800 ft³3.23
*Please note: These North Carolina to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & 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 NC to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Cary guide.

Compare the 5 Best Cary to Durham Movers

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

Dogwood Moving Co. Logo

Dogwood Moving Co.

Exceptional9.82/10
based on 4,653+ data points

6192 Beale Loop

Raleigh, NC, 27616

About Dogwood Moving Co.

Dogwood is a new local moving company that started in 2020 and serves as one of the movers in Raleigh, NC....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3376522 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Brightleaf Moving Co. Logo

Brightleaf Moving Co.

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,003+ data points

1800 Williamsburg Rd Apt 13L

Durham, NC, 27707

About Brightleaf Moving Co.

Brightleaf Moving Co. is a locally-owned residential and commercial moving company based in Durham, North Carolina, offering local and long-distance services....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3838853 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
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
3
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer Logo

J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer

Exceptional9.38/10
based on 775+ data points

113 N Benjamine St

Durham, NC, 27703

About J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer

J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer is a local family business that provides professional moving services in Durham, Chapel Hill, and the...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Piano moving services
View Full Review
4
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
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.

Cary vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from Cary, NC to Durham, NC can be a journey into the unknown. To make this transition smoother, we have compared popular neighborhoods from Cary with their closest counterparts in Durham. This comparison of the local neighborhoods between Cary, NC & Durham, NC will help you find a new home base that feels just right, using what you know and love as a starting point.

CaryDurhamHow They're Similar
PrestonHope ValleyEstablished, golf community
AmberlyWoodcroftFamily-friendly, extensive trails
Carpenter VillageTrinity ParkHistoric, walkable settings
LochmereTreyburnScenic views, country club lifestyle
Cary ParkBrightleafModern amenities, community engagement
RegencyOld North DurhamClassic charm, vibrant community
StonebridgeForest HillsHistoric, lush landscapes
HighcroftAmerican VillageDynamic, diverse community spaces
MacGregor DownsColony ParkExclusive, elegant environments
Green LevelCleveland-HollowayEclectic mix, close-knit vibe

If you're relocating from the lush, championship golf courses in Preston, you'll find a similar appeal in Hope Valley's established community, renowned for its greens and fairways. Amberly's focus on family and outdoor activities mirrors Woodcroft's trail networks and community events, ensuring a seamless lifestyle transition. For those enchanted by the historical ambiance of Carpenter Village, Trinity Park offers an equally captivating setting with its historic homes and tree-lined streets. Meanwhile, Lochmere's picturesque settings translate well into Treyburn's sprawling landscapes and country club amenities. Ultimately, moving from Cary to Durham doesn't mean leaving behind what you love—it's about discovering a new community with familiar comforts and exciting new possibilities.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Cary to Durham

Moving from Cary, NC to Durham, NC comes with its own set of changes. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, specifically between Cary and Durham . Understanding both sides of the coin will help you navigate your decision with a clear perspective.

CONs
PROs
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less diverse dining
  • Smaller parks
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Livelier social scene
  • Varied cuisine options
  • Larger green spaces
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Varied school quality
  • Higher crime areas
  • More urbanized
  • Younger demographic
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • Quality schools
  • Low crime rates
  • Suburban feel
  • Family-friendly

When considering the move from Cary to Durham, several factors stand out. While Cary offers a serene, suburban environment with highly rated schools such as Cary High, perfect for families seeking peace and excellent education, Durham counters with its vibrant downtown, rich in diverse cuisine and entertainment. The nationally recognized Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and historic Brightleaf Square offer cultural and gastronomic experiences Cary simply can’t match. Durham’s extensive parks and greenways, like the expansive East End Park, provide more outdoor leisure options than Cary’s smaller community parks. However, the transition also means contending with Durham's more urbanized setting and the wider range in school quality, which might concern families accustomed to Cary's uniform educational excellence.

Cary vs. Durham Food Guide

Understanding the local cuisine is pivotal to experiencing the cultural vibrancy of a new city. In this guide, we compare the local cuisine between Cary & Durham , providing insights into what you can anticipate when moving. This comparison will aid in making your transition smoother, enriching your culinary adventures in your new home.

CaryDurham
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BBQChicken and Waffles
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork SandwichSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemFish TacosHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenVegan BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Herons
  • La Residence
  • Cary Pub
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Dame's Chicken & Waffles
  • M Sushi
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In the heart of Durham, the vibrant food scene is something to behold. The city's love for smoked brisket can be seen at establishments like Smokehouse, where the deep, complex flavors of the meat are a testament to the culinary expertise of the region. For those in search of something lighter, Durham's vegan BBQ, found in spots like Vegan BBQ Delight, offers a delightful twist on traditional Southern comfort food. On the other side, Cary's commitment to diverse cuisines is showcased through its iconic North Carolina BBQ and the globally-inspired Fish Tacos, offering a taste of the ocean amidst the city's bustling streets. Both Cary and Durham boast an impressive array of food trucks, but Durham, with its higher abundance, serves as a haven for foodies looking to explore a wide range of flavors and dishes.

Cary vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Making a new city feel like home goes beyond unpacking boxes; it's also about finding those special dining spots where memories are made and taste buds are delighted. This restaurant comparison between Cary and Durham, NC, will help you find your future favorite eateries by leveraging your current culinary loves as a guide.

CaryDurhamWhat You'll Love
La Farm BakeryGuglhupf BakeryBoth offer European-inspired pastries and a cozy cafe experience.
Lucky 32 Southern KitchenDame's Chicken & WafflesComfort food with a unique twist at both locations.
BosphorusMediterranean Grill & CafeAuthentic Mediterranean flavors and traditional Turkish dishes.
HeronsParizadeBoth offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
CineBistroAlamo Drafthouse CinemaBoth provide a unique dine-in movie experience with gourmet menu options.
Tribeca TavernBull City Burger and BreweryHandcrafted burgers and local brews make both spots popular.
Crosstown Pub & GrillFullsteam BreweryBoth have a lively atmosphere and a great selection of beers and pub fare.
Taqueria Del SolNuvotacoBoth are known for their innovative and delicious taco offerings.
Bond Brothers Beer CompanyPonysaurus BrewingBoth serve up craft beers in a welcoming, community-oriented space.
VerandahCounting HouseBoth feature modern, innovative cuisine in an elegant setting.

If you're moving from Cary to Durham, you won't have to leave your culinary comforts behind. For instance, if you've enjoyed the unique dine-in experience at CineBistro, you'll find a similar vibe at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where the film selection is diverse and the food far surpasses typical movie theater fare. Fans of Lebanese and Turkish cuisine in Cary at Bosphorus will be delighted by the authentic flavors and traditional dishes at Durham's Mediterranean Grill & Cafe. Meanwhile, originally charmed by the Southern hospitality and farm-to-table ethos at Herons? Parizade in Durham extends that warmth and culinary excellence, ensuring your transition from Cary to Durham is deliciously seamless.

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Ready to start your move?

Cary vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences your moving decisions. Understanding how Cary and Durham stack up in terms of housing can help you make an informed choice. This comparison aims to underline the differences in costs, walkability, and lifestyle between the two cities.

ComparisonCaryDurham
Typical Architecture StyleModern and SuburbanEclectic, Historic
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingCommunity Amenities, Green SpacesProximity to Universities, Cultural Landmarks

When considering a move from Cary to Durham, the reasons extend beyond just affordability. Durham boasts a higher walkability score, citing easy access to downtown amenities and attractions. This, coupled with its eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture, positions Durham as an attractive urban living option. Moreover, listings in Durham frequently highlight its proximity to renowned universities and vibrant cultural landmarks, offering a dynamic lifestyle that's hard to match.

Cary vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Cary to Durham, NC, it's crucial to understand how the weather might differ from what you're used to. This comparison will highlight the weather differences between Cary and Durham to help you prepare for your relocation.

Summer icon
89/68

Cary, NC

89/67

Durham, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Cary, NC

51/29

Durham, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Cary, NC

42

Durham, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Cary, NC

5

Durham, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaryDurham
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Cary and Durham enjoy similarly mild climates overall, there are subtle differences that can affect daily life. The average winter temperatures are slightly cooler in Cary, though the difference is minimal. Durham, on the other hand, boasts a few more days of sunshine annually, which could be a plus for outdoor enthusiasts. Interestingly, both cities have comparable humidity levels and UV indexes, which means your experience dealing with heat and sunlight won't change much. Finally, understanding the risk for natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes is crucial, as both areas share these risks. Taking these factors into account can help you better prepare for your move.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one location to another can significantly affect your finances. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income in Cary compare to Durham helps in making an informed decision about the move. Here’s a succinct comparison that highlights the key financial differences between these two cities.

ComparisonCaryDurham
Avg. Household Income$123,857$71,343
Cost of Living Index95.8596.6
State Income Tax5.255.25
Avg. Property Tax0.841.20
Avg. Sales Tax7.257.50
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, EducationEducation, Healthcare, Technology
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate

While Cary and Durham share the same state income tax rate, the difference in the average household income between the two cities is quite significant, with Cary boasting a much higher income. This supports Cary’s higher cost of living index as compared to Durham. However, Durham offers a slightly lower sales tax rate and a rich cultural and academic atmosphere due to its renowned universities and healthcare facilities. Before making a decision, consider not only the financial aspects but also the lifestyle each city offers to find your best fit.

Cary vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Cary, NC to Durham, NC? It's important to understand the communities you're moving from and to. This brief overview will compare the politics between Cary & Durham and provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents.

CaryDurham
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsCentrist with progressive trendsProgressive
ReligionMixed religious affiliationsMore secular with diverse religious practices

When you move from Cary to Durham, you'll notice a shift in the political landscape. Durham is known for its strong Democratic leanings, more so than Cary, which also leans Democratic but has a more centrist approach with progressive trends in local politics. This political difference is reflective of the local culture and community initiatives that you might find yourself engaging with. Regarding religion, both cities showcase a blend of affiliations, but Durham presents a more secular demographic with a wide array of religious practices and establishments. These facets of Durham could offer a diverse and vibrant community life that differs subtly yet significantly from what you were familiar with in Cary.

Cary vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the difference in traffic and transportation options between Cary & Durham is essential for anyone contemplating a move. This comparison will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of your daily commute and traffic conditions.

ComparisonCaryDurham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2422
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes, with some planning

In comparing Cary and Durham, it's evident that both cities offer their own unique set of advantages and challenges when it comes to commuting. While Cary generally has a lower traffic congestion rating, its public transit options are not as developed as Durham's, making it more challenging to get around without a car. On the other hand, Durham provides better public transit availability, which can be a significant advantage for those looking to reduce their reliance on personal vehicles. This difference could be a deciding factor if your daily routine involves regular use of public transportation. Keep in mind the need for planning and flexibility when relying on transit options in Durham.

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