Best Cary to Durham Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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.

Best Cary to Durham Moving Companies
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,033 | 300 ft³ | 3.44 |
1 Bedroom | $1,530 | 450 ft³ | 3.40 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,518 | 750 ft³ | 3.36 |
3 Bedrooms | $3,646 | 1100 ft³ | 3.31 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,236 | 1600 ft³ | 3.27 |
5+ Bedrooms | $5,814 | 1800 ft³ | 3.23 |

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.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3376522 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 16 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |

Brightleaf Moving Co.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3838853 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
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 | - |

J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
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

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) |

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.
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.
Cary | Durham | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Preston | Hope Valley | Established, golf community |
Amberly | Woodcroft | Family-friendly, extensive trails |
Carpenter Village | Trinity Park | Historic, walkable settings |
Lochmere | Treyburn | Scenic views, country club lifestyle |
Cary Park | Brightleaf | Modern amenities, community engagement |
Regency | Old North Durham | Classic charm, vibrant community |
Stonebridge | Forest Hills | Historic, lush landscapes |
Highcroft | American Village | Dynamic, diverse community spaces |
MacGregor Downs | Colony Park | Exclusive, elegant environments |
Green Level | Cleveland-Holloway | Eclectic 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.
- Higher cost of living
- Quieter nightlife
- Less diverse dining
- Smaller parks
- More affordable housing
- Livelier social scene
- Varied cuisine options
- Larger green spaces
- Varied school quality
- Higher crime areas
- More urbanized
- Younger demographic
- 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.
Cary | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | North Carolina BBQ | Chicken and Waffles |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork Sandwich | Smoked Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Hot Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Vegan BBQ |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
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.
Cary | Durham | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
La Farm Bakery | Guglhupf Bakery | Both offer European-inspired pastries and a cozy cafe experience. |
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen | Dame's Chicken & Waffles | Comfort food with a unique twist at both locations. |
Bosphorus | Mediterranean Grill & Cafe | Authentic Mediterranean flavors and traditional Turkish dishes. |
Herons | Parizade | Both offer an upscale dining experience with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients. |
CineBistro | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema | Both provide a unique dine-in movie experience with gourmet menu options. |
Tribeca Tavern | Bull City Burger and Brewery | Handcrafted burgers and local brews make both spots popular. |
Crosstown Pub & Grill | Fullsteam Brewery | Both have a lively atmosphere and a great selection of beers and pub fare. |
Taqueria Del Sol | Nuvotaco | Both are known for their innovative and delicious taco offerings. |
Bond Brothers Beer Company | Ponysaurus Brewing | Both serve up craft beers in a welcoming, community-oriented space. |
Verandah | Counting House | Both 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.

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.
Comparison | Cary | Durham |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Suburban | Eclectic, Historic |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Community Amenities, Green Spaces | Proximity 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.
Cary, NC
Durham, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Cary, NC
Durham, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Cary, NC
Durham, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Cary, NC
Durham, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Cary | Durham |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, 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.
Comparison | Cary | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $123,857 | $71,343 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.85 | 96.6 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 5.25 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.84 | 1.20 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 7.50 |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Education, Healthcare, Technology |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
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.
Cary | Durham | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Centrist with progressive trends | Progressive |
Religion | Mixed religious affiliations | More 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.
Comparison | Cary | Durham |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 22 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | No | Yes, 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.



Additional Resources
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Popular Cary to North Carolina Routes
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