Best Durham to Cary Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Durham to Cary 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 Durham to Cary 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 Durham compared to Cary. 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 Durham to Cary Moving Companies
Cost to Move from Durham to Cary
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 22 miles from Durham, NC to Cary, NC will cost on average $1,530 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Cary 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 Cary to Durham guide.
Compare the 5 Best Durham to Cary 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.
Durham vs. Cary Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially when you're heading to a new city. To ease this transition, this guide provides a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Cary, NC. By equating areas in Durham with those in Cary, we aim to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home, leveraging what you already love about your current location as a base.
Durham | Cary | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Trinity Park | Lochmere | Green spaces, family-friendly |
Old West Durham | Preston | Active community, golf course nearby |
Brightleaf | MacGregor Downs | Historic charm, luxury living |
Woodcroft | Amberly | Diverse amenities, great for families |
Hope Valley | Cary Park | Upscale, with lush landscapes |
Watts Hospital-Hillandale | Brookstone | Quiet, established, community-oriented |
American Tobacco District | Downtown Cary | Vibrant arts scene, dining |
Treyburn | Highcroft | Spacious homes, excellent schools |
Cleveland-Holloway | Weston Pointe | Quaint, with a touch of history |
Ninth Street | Chatham Estates | Eclectic shops, strong sense of community |
For those who relish the lively arts scene and dining options of Durham's American Tobacco District, Downtown Cary offers a remarkably similar vibe with its burgeoning arts community, featuring the Cary Arts Center and a variety of dining options from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. On the other hand, if the greenery and outdoors of Trinity Park are what you love, Lochmere in Cary is notable for its scenic lakes, plentiful walking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere, resembling the community-oriented feel and natural beauty. Whether it's the historic allure of Brightleaf that captures your interest, with its blend of unique shops and local history, alternatively, you'll find MacGregor Downs in Cary offers a similar sense of charm, mixing luxury living with a touch of the past through its well-preserved landscapes and architecturally significant homes.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Cary
Moving from one city to another brings its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide is designed to provide an honest reflection of both the good and bad attributes of relocating from Durham, NC to Cary, NC . By weighing the cons against the pros, and vice versa, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect from your new home.
- Higher crime rates
- Livelier nightlife
- More industrial
- Lower crime rates
- Quieter neighborhoods
- Lusher green spaces
- More suburban
- Fewer restaurants
- Less historic
- Eccentric culture
- Diverse dining options
- Rich history
When moving from Durham to Cary, you'll find yourself transitioning from a city known for its vibrant culture and history to a more suburban setting renowned for its safety and tranquility. Durham's culinary scene, featuring places like Pizzeria Toro and Dame's Chicken and Waffles, offers a diverse range of dining options. Cary, while having fewer restaurants, is not without its gems like La Residence and Bosphorus. Moreover, Cary's extensive green spaces, including Fred G. Bond Metro Park, provide beautiful, peaceful escapes not as commonly found in Durham. The shift from Durham's industrious, energetic environment to Cary's quieter, more laid-back vibe represents a significant change, bringing along with it the advantages of lower crime rates and cleaner, more spacious neighborhoods.
Durham vs. Cary Food Guide
Understanding local culinary delights is essential when moving to a new city, as food is a significant part of local culture and living experience. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Cary , aimed at helping you get better acquainted with the food scene in your new home.
Durham | Cary | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Carolina-style BBQ | Chicken Biryani |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork sandwich | Lamb Vindaloo |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Chaats |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Dosa |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Both Durham and Cary boast vibrant and diverse food scenes reflecting their population's eclectic tastes and preferences. In Durham, the food scene is known for its innovative take on traditional American and Southern cuisines, with restaurants like Mateo Bar de Tapas and Pizzeria Toro leading the way. Notably, Durham's penchant for fusion and creativity is evident in dishes like BBQ Jackfruit, catering to a growing vegan community. Cary, on the other hand, offers an impressive array of international cuisines, with Indian restaurants like Udupi Café redefining vegan options with their signature Dosa and Chicken Biryani emerging as a local favorite. The town's health-conscious lifestyle is mirrored in its dining options, which are diverse and cater to various dietary preferences.
Durham vs. Cary Restaurant Comparison
Finding your next culinary love in a new city can be a delicious adventure. This guide compares top restaurants from Durham to their Cary equivalents, helping you discover similar dining experiences. Through this chart, you'll quickly find Durham-to-Cary restaurant comparisons , making your move a flavorful transition.
Durham | Cary | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Mateo Bar de Tapas | Academy Street Bistro | Both offer a cozy ambiance with a focus on shareable plates. |
Pizzeria Toro | Johnny's Pizza | Both known for their wood-fired pizzas and artisanal toppings. |
Dashi | Kabuki Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi | Both provide unique takes on Japanese cuisine, with Dashi focusing on ramen and Kabuki offering sushi and hibachi. |
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten | La Farm Bakery | Both blend bakery and café vibes, offering European breads, pastries, and a selection of hearty meals. |
Elmo's Diner | Brigs at the Crossing | Both spots are known for hearty, classic American breakfast and brunch menus. |
NanaSteak | Lugano Ristorante | Though Lugano is more Italian-focused, both restaurants boast high-quality steaks and an elegant dining experience. |
Bull City Burger and Brewery | Tribeca Tavern | Burgers and craft beer are the stars at both of these family-friendly establishments. |
Toast | Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Café | Both offer casual, cozy spots for sandwiches, soups, and salads with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. |
M Sushi | Sushi-Thai | Sushi-Thai offers a similar upscale sushi experience, focusing on quality and presentation. |
Bar Virgile | Bond Brothers Beer Company | While focusing more on craft beers, Bond Brothers offers a similar relaxed yet trendy bar atmosphere. |
When you're craving the warmth and coziness of Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham, Academy Street Bistro in Cary awaits with its similarly inviting atmosphere and focus on plates that are meant to be shared. Meanwhile, lovers of unique and artisan pizzas will find a familiar joy in Johnny's Pizza, reminiscent of the wood-fired, creatively topped pizzas at Pizzeria Toro. For those mornings when only a hearty, classic American breakfast will do, Brigs at the Crossing serves up dishes that echo the comfort and taste of Elmo's Diner. Through these comparisons, you'll not just discover similar restaurants; you'll find new favorites that feel like home.

Ready to start your move?
Durham vs. Cary Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, real estate ranks high on the list of priorities. Understanding how the housing markets compare between Durham and Cary is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide aims to compare aspects such as cost, architecture, and walkability to help you navigate your potential new home.
Comparison | Durham | Cary |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Mixture of historic and modern | Modern suburban |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic charm, cultural diversity | Safe neighborhoods, family-friendly |
When breaking down the details, the contrast in median home prices and monthly rent highlights Cary as a more expensive option, attributed to its modern suburban architecture and reputation for safety and family-friendliness. Meanwhile, Durham offers a mix of historic and contemporary homes, making it a more affordable and somewhat more urban option. The walkability and bikeability scores reflect the design and planning of each city. Durham, with its higher urban lifestyle score, is more suitable for those seeking a vibrant city life, while Cary appeals to those desiring a quieter, suburban feel. Both cities present unique living experiences, and the choice between them would depend on your lifestyle preferences and priorities.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Cary, NC
1. Preston: This neighborhood is known for its picturesque walking paths and local parks, perfect for morning walks or jogs with your furry friends.
2. Lochmere: Offering you access to several greenways and the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, it’s a paradise for pets who love outdoor adventures.
3. Carpenter Village: With its close-knit community feel, pet-friendly amenities, and a dedicated dog park, it’s an ideal spot for pet owners looking for a supportive neighborhood environment.
Durham vs. Cary Weather Considerations
When considering a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather might change is crucial. Comparing the climate between Durham and Cary will help you gauge what to expect and how to prepare for your relocation. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather differences to assist in your transition.
Durham, NC
Cary, NC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Cary, NC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Cary, NC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Durham, NC
Cary, NC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Durham | Cary |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While the climate between Durham and Cary is notably similar, there are some slight differences that could affect your daily life after moving. Cary experiences marginally more days of sunshine per year and a slightly warmer winter temperature, which could influence outdoor activities and personal comfort. Both locations share a common risk for hurricanes and tornadoes, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for such natural disasters. The similarity in annual rainfall and snowfall means that your overall adjustment in terms of wardrobe and outdoor planning should be minimal. Understanding these small but significant differences will help you acclimate more smoothly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Durham to Cary
When planning your move from Durham, NC to Cary, NC, it's crucial to assess how your finances will adjust. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what to expect in terms of cost of living, income, taxes, and the economic environment between Durham and Cary. Understanding these differences will ensure you make an informed decision suitable for your financial well-being.
Comparison | Durham | Cary |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,343 | $123,857 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 95.85 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 5.25 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.84 | 0.76 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 7.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Biotechnology | Technology, Professional Services, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Noticeable | Low |
Homelessness | Concerning | Minimal |
While both Durham and Cary are vibrant communities, Cary offers a significantly higher average household income and is considered more affluent but comes with a higher cost of living index. Both cities share the same state income tax, yet Cary benefits from slightly lower property and sales tax rates, potentially offering a bit of relief despite its overall costlier living conditions. The prominent industries in each city reflect their unique economic landscapes, with Durham focusing on education, healthcare, and biotechnology, and Cary being a hub for technology, professional services, and retail, which may influence employment opportunities for you. Notably, Cary's low poverty and minimal homelessness rates further underline its financial stability and higher standard of living.
Durham vs. Cary Political & Religious Comparison
This quick guide offers a snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Durham & Cary , providing insights into the political and religious landscape you're transitioning into. When relocating, understanding these aspects can help you adjust more smoothly to your new community.
Durham | Cary | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal | Moderately liberal |
Local Politics | Democratic dominance | Mixed, with a slight Democratic lean |
Religion | Diverse; large Christian community with significant non-religious population | More religiously homogenous; predominately Christian with growing other faiths |
While Durham is known for its liberal leanings and Democratic dominance in local politics, Cary presents a slightly more moderate perspective, demonstrating a blend of political views with a historical but narrowing Democratic preference. The religious landscapes also reflect diversity but in different shades: Durham celebrates a broad spectrum of faiths alongside a significant portion of non-religious residents, indicating a varied and multifaceted community. In contrast, Cary's religious scene is largely Christian, though it is gradually incorporating more diverse faith traditions. Understanding these nuances will help you better integrate into your new surroundings in Cary.
Durham vs. Cary Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Durham, NC to Cary, NC? It's vital to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison focuses on the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Cary, helping you gauge what to expect in your new neighborhood.
Comparison | Durham | Cary |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 24 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | With difficulty | Challenging |
The commute time in both cities doesn't vary drastically, but traffic congestion and public transportation availability certainly do. Durham has a slightly higher traffic congestion score, yet it offers more public transit options compared to Cary. This makes living in Durham without a car a bit more feasible, though not without its challenges. On the other hand, Cary's lower traffic congestion score indicates smoother travel but relies heavily on having a personal vehicle due to limited public transit options. Understanding these dynamics can help you better plan your daily commutes and consider what transportation adjustments may be necessary after moving.



Additional Resources
Durham Moving Services
Popular Durham to North Carolina Routes
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