Best Durham to Cary Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Durham to Cary 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 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 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 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. 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.

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.

DurhamCaryHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkLochmereGreen spaces, family-friendly
Old West DurhamPrestonActive community, golf course nearby
BrightleafMacGregor DownsHistoric charm, luxury living
WoodcroftAmberlyDiverse amenities, great for families
Hope ValleyCary ParkUpscale, with lush landscapes
Watts Hospital-HillandaleBrookstoneQuiet, established, community-oriented
American Tobacco DistrictDowntown CaryVibrant arts scene, dining
TreyburnHighcroftSpacious homes, excellent schools
Cleveland-HollowayWeston PointeQuaint, with a touch of history
Ninth StreetChatham EstatesEclectic 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.

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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.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher crime rates
  • Livelier nightlife
  • More industrial
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • Lower crime rates
  • Quieter neighborhoods
  • Lusher green spaces
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • More suburban
  • Fewer restaurants
  • Less historic
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • 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.

DurhamCary
Most iconic local food itemCarolina-style BBQChicken Biryani
Most popular meat dishPulled pork sandwichLamb Vindaloo
Most popular street food itemTacosChaats
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitDosa
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Biergarten
  • Chatham Street Café
  • Udupi Café
  • La Farm Bakery
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.

DurhamCaryWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasAcademy Street BistroBoth offer a cozy ambiance with a focus on shareable plates.
Pizzeria ToroJohnny's PizzaBoth known for their wood-fired pizzas and artisanal toppings.
DashiKabuki Japanese Steakhouse & SushiBoth provide unique takes on Japanese cuisine, with Dashi focusing on ramen and Kabuki offering sushi and hibachi.
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenLa Farm BakeryBoth blend bakery and café vibes, offering European breads, pastries, and a selection of hearty meals.
Elmo's DinerBrigs at the CrossingBoth spots are known for hearty, classic American breakfast and brunch menus.
NanaSteakLugano RistoranteThough Lugano is more Italian-focused, both restaurants boast high-quality steaks and an elegant dining experience.
Bull City Burger and BreweryTribeca TavernBurgers and craft beer are the stars at both of these family-friendly establishments.
ToastOnce in a Blue Moon Bakery & CaféBoth offer casual, cozy spots for sandwiches, soups, and salads with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
M SushiSushi-ThaiSushi-Thai offers a similar upscale sushi experience, focusing on quality and presentation.
Bar VirgileBond Brothers Beer CompanyWhile 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.

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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.

ComparisonDurhamCary
Typical Architecture StyleMixture of historic and modernModern suburban
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric charm, cultural diversitySafe 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 background image

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.

Summer icon
89/69

Durham, NC

89/68

Cary, NC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Durham, NC

51/31

Cary, NC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47.8

Durham, NC

47.7

Cary, NC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.5

Durham, NC

4.3

Cary, NC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamCary
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, 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.

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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.

ComparisonDurhamCary
Avg. Household Income$71,343$123,857
Cost of Living Index96.695.85
State Income Tax5.255.25
Avg. Property Tax0.840.76
Avg. Sales Tax7.57.25
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, BiotechnologyTechnology, Professional Services, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableLow
HomelessnessConcerningMinimal

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.

DurhamCary
Political Make-upLiberalModerately liberal
Local PoliticsDemocratic dominanceMixed, with a slight Democratic lean
ReligionDiverse; large Christian community with significant non-religious populationMore 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.

ComparisonDurhamCary
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?With difficultyChallenging

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.

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