Best Durham to Chattanooga Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Chattanooga and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 447 mile move from North Carolina to Tennessee go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Durham to Chattanooga 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 Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Boundless Moving & Storage9.339.36Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
5Smooth Moving & Storage8.938.63Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Durham to Chattanooga

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 447 miles from Durham, NC to Chattanooga, TN will cost on average $2,161 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Chattanooga move is roughly $5,173. 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$1,456300 ft³4.85
1 Bedroom$2,161450 ft³4.80
2 Bedrooms$3,565750 ft³4.75
3 Bedrooms$5,1731100 ft³4.70
4 Bedrooms$7,4451600 ft³4.65
5+ Bedrooms$8,2851800 ft³4.60
*Please note: These North Carolina to Tennessee moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & Tennessee. 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 TN mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Chattanooga to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Chattanooga Movers

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

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
1
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
2
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

5595 N. Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN, 37312

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Smooth Moving & Storage Logo

Smooth Moving & Storage

Superb8.93/10
based on 346+ data points

3620 Trousdale Dr

Nashville, TN, 37204

About Smooth Moving & Storage

Smooth Moving & Storage is a full-service moving and storage company based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering professional, reliable, and stress-free moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2472874 / 1244900

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
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. Chattanooga Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we’ve designed a comparison to help you find a neighborhood in Chattanooga, TN that feels like home, based on what you loved in Durham, NC. By understanding the similarities between Durham, NC & Chattanooga, TN neighborhoods, we aim to make your move as seamless as possible.

DurhamChattanoogaHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkNorth ChattanoogaHistoric charm, close to parks
Old West DurhamSt. ElmoVibrant community spirit, historic homes
American Tobacco DistrictSouthsideTrendy eateries, arts scene
Forest HillsSignal MountainLeafy streets, spacious homes
Downtown DurhamDowntown ChattanoogaUrban living, entertainment hub
Hope ValleyLookout MountainExclusive, scenic views
WalltownHighland ParkDiverse, community-centric
BrightleafBluff ViewArtsy, with stunning river views
RockwoodNorthgateFamily-friendly, local shopping
Duke ParkRiverviewLush parks, welcoming neighborhood vibe

If you’re smitten with the historic charm and close-knit community of Trinity Park, the rolling hills and green spaces of North Chattanooga will feel like home, featuring parks such as Coolidge Park. Fans of vibrant Old West Durham will find a similar spirit in St. Elmo, with attractions like Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center offering a retreat in nature. American Tobacco District’s trendy eateries and artsy vibe are mirrored in Chattanooga’s Southside, where spots like Chattanooga Market draw locals and tourists alike. For those appreciating the leafy and spacious surroundings of Forest Hills, Signal Mountain provides a serene environment with breathtaking views of Chattanooga’s landscapes, making the transition not just about finding a new house, but discovering a new place to call home.

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Things to Do in Chattanooga

  • Explore Tennessee Aquarium
  • Hike Lookout Mountain
  • Visit Ruby Falls
  • Ride the Incline Railway
  • Stroll through Bluff View Art District
  • Shop at Chattanooga Market

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Chattanooga

Moving from one city to another is a major decision that involves weighing various factors. This guide compares living in Durham, NC, with relocating to Chattanooga, TN. We aim to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of this relocation, highlighting the contrasts between Durham and Chattanooga to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less outdoor activities
  • Smaller tech hub
  • More traffic congestion
  • Fewer historical sites
Chattanooga, TN iconChattanooga, TN
  • Lower cost of living
  • More outdoor activities
  • Larger tech growth
  • Less traffic
  • More historical interest
Chattanooga, TN iconChattanooga, TN
  • Smaller culture scene
  • Fewer academic institutions
  • More limited dining
  • Smaller job market
  • Less healthcare facilities
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Rich academic environment
  • Diverse dining options
  • Competitive job market
  • Accessible healthcare

Diving deeper into the differences, Chattanooga offers a wonderful blend of natural beauty and historical depth, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The city is home to iconic locations such as Ruby Falls and Tennessee Aquarium, offering endless exploration opportunities. Despite Durham's vibrant cultural scene, featuring renowned entities like Duke Performances, Chattanooga is catching up with its unique offerings like Hunter Museum of American Art. For those prioritizing a lower cost of living and more relaxed pace, Chattanooga's appealing characteristics might outweigh Durham's bustling city vibe, richer academic presence, and diverse dining landscape.

Durham vs. Chattanooga Food Guide

When relocating, it's essential to immerse yourself in the local culture, and what better way than through its food? In this guide, we provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Chattanooga to help you get acquainted with the culinary scenes of your old and new home.

DurhamChattanooga
Most iconic local food itemNorth Carolina BarbecueHot Chicken
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork SandwichSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemCarolina-style Hot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Soul Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Nana's Restaurant
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Alleia
  • Easy Bistro & Bar
  • Terminal Brewhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Durham, the food culture heavily praises its North Carolina Barbecue, especially evident in local favorites like the Pulled Pork Sandwich. The city's burgeoning vegan scene is not to be overlooked either, with BBQ Jackfruit serving as a testament to Durham's culinary diversity. Meanwhile, Chattanooga's Hot Chicken and Smoked Brisket pay homage to Tennessee's rich barbecue tradition. The city's vegan community enjoys a vibrant selection of dishes, including the Vegan Soul Bowl found in various eateries. Chattanooga also celebrates its food culture with an array of food trucks and notable restaurants, such as Alleia and Easy Bistro & Bar, located in the bustling Southside neighborhood, reflecting the city's eclectic taste and warm Southern hospitality.

Durham vs. Chattanooga Restaurant Comparison

Making a new area feel like home starts with discovering local restaurants that you love. This chart aims to compare top restaurants in Durham to similar spots in Chattanooga, guiding you toward finding your new favorite eateries by leveraging your current favorites as a reference point.

DurhamChattanoogaWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasBoathouse Rotisserie & Raw BarBoth offer a vibrant atmosphere and dishes with bold flavors.
Pizzeria ToroLupi's Pizza PiesCelebrated for their attention to authentic hand-tossed pizzas.
Bull City Burger and BreweryTremont TavernBoth are destinations for high-quality burgers and a great selection of brews.
DashiTwo Ten JackIzakaya-style dining offering a similar cozy atmosphere and a focus on ramen and small plates.
Guglhupf Bakery, Café & BiergartenEasy Bistro & BarBoth blend a European cafe vibe with a selection of crafted beers and fine foods.
Elmo's DinerBluegrass GrillA homestyle dining experience, perfect for hearty breakfasts and lunches.
Vin RougeSt. John's RestaurantHigh-end dining experiences that celebrate local ingredients through French-inspired cuisine.
M SushiTotto Sushi & GrillOffers a premium sushi experience focusing on quality and creativity.
The ParlourClumpies Ice Cream Co.Both are beloved for their unique, handcrafted ice cream flavors.
Saltbox Seafood JointUncle Larry's RestaurantFamous for a delectable selection of fried seafood in a casual setting.

For instance, if you've loved the vibrant and flavorful dining experience at Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham, you'll find a kindred spirit in Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar in Chattanooga, with both places boasting an atmosphere that's lively and perfect for indulging in bold dishes. On the other hand, sushi aficionados will appreciate how M Sushi's high-quality, creative offerings are mirrored by Totto Sushi & Grill, ensuring that your move doesn't mean a step down in your culinary adventures. And for those days when only a handcrafted ice cream will do, The Parlour's unique flavors find a close counterpart in Clumpies Ice Cream Co., preserving the sweet taste of tradition and innovation in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Chattanooga Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your relocation, comparing the real estate aspects of Durham, NC, and Chattanooga, TN is crucial. Knowing the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and neighborhood vibes helps in making an informed decision for your move. Let's dive into the specifics to see how these two cities stack up against each other.

ComparisonDurhamChattanooga
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanVictorian, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingStainless steel appliances, Hardwood floorsOpen floor plans, Outdoor living spaces

While Durham, NC, and Chattanooga, TN, both offer unique lifestyles, the distinctions in their housing markets could influence your decision significantly. In Chattanooga, the lower median home price and rent suggest a more affordable living situation compared to Durham. The emphasis on outdoor living spaces and open floor plans in Chattanooga's listings align with the city's higher walkability and bikeability scores, indicative of a vibrant urban lifestyle. On the other hand, Durham's colonial and craftsman architectural styles reflect a different aesthetic preference, potentially appealing to those appreciating historic charm. Understanding these nuances ensures you find a community that feels like home.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chattanooga, TN

1. North Shore: Your furry friend will love exploring the spacious Renaissance Park and cooling off in the designated dog areas.

2. St. Elmo: This neighborhood is ideal for pet owners with its easy access to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, offering plenty of trails and green spaces for your pets to enjoy.

3. Highland Park: Known for its friendly community and walkable streets, you and your pet can enjoy daily walks to local pet-friendly cafes and the nearby Warner Park.

Durham vs. Chattanooga Weather Considerations

When considering a move from Durham, NC to Chattanooga, TN, understanding how the weather compares is essential. This comparison will provide insight into what changes you can expect in your daily and seasonal routines, helping you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
89/69

Durham, NC

90/70

Chattanooga, TN

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
50/30

Durham, NC

51/33

Chattanooga, TN

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
43

Durham, NC

52

Chattanooga, TN

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4

Durham, NC

3

Chattanooga, TN

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamChattanooga
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Ice stormsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Durham to Chattanooga, you'll notice slight variations in climate that could impact your lifestyle. Chattanooga experiences a tad higher average winter temperatures and slightly more annual rainfall, hinting at milder winters but wetter conditions overall. Both cities enjoy a significant amount of sunshine, with Durham just edging ahead. It's worth noting the contrast in common natural disasters. While Durham's weather can be influenced by hurricanes and ice storms, Chattanooga is more prone to tornadoes and floods. These distinctions are crucial to consider, especially for your home's location and insurance needs.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your move from Durham, NC to Chattanooga, TN, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison will provide a clearer picture of what to expect. The chart below will highlight key financial aspects, including the cost of living, average income, and taxes in Durham and Chattanooga, to help you navigate your decision.

ComparisonDurhamChattanooga
Avg. Household Income$71,343$55,065
Cost of Living Index96.691.1
State Income Tax5.250 (Tennessee has no personal income tax)
Avg. Property Tax0.780.74
Avg. Sales Tax7.59.25
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health Services, ManufacturingManufacturing, Service Industry, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateLower-Moderate
PovertySignificantNotable
HomelessnessConcerningAddressed

Moving from Durham to Chattanooga might feel like a breath of financial fresh air for many. The significantly lower cost of living in Chattanooga, combined with Tennessee's lack of personal income tax, can lead to noticeable savings. However, it's important to weigh these benefits against the average lower household income in Chattanooga. The sales tax is higher in Chattanooga, which can affect daily expenses. Understanding these differences ensures you can plan effectively, taking into account local economic conditions and tax policies to safeguard your financial wellbeing.

Durham vs. Chattanooga Political & Religious Comparison

When considering the move from Durham, NC to Chattanooga, TN, it's vital to grasp a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This comparison will offer insight into the contrasts and similarities, helping you to better understand what to expect in your new home. Let's delve into this comparison of the politics and religion between Durham & Chattanooga to guide your transition smoothly.

DurhamChattanooga
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesModerate-conservative policies
ReligionReligiously diverse, with significant non-religious populationChristian majority, with Southern Baptist influence

Durham is known for its liberal-leaning politics and progressive policies, contributing to a culturally rich and diverse atmosphere. In contrast, Chattanooga tends to be more conservative, with local politics reflecting moderate-conservative values. Religious makeup also differs significantly between the two cities. Durham enjoys a broad religious diversity with a considerable number of residents identifying as non-religious, contrasting Chattanooga’s predominantly Christian population with a strong Southern Baptist presence. These distinctions in political and religious orientation may influence local culture, community engagement, and the overall social environment, making this information crucial for those planning to make the move.

Durham vs. Chattanooga Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic nuances is crucial for anyone moving from Durham, NC to Chattanooga, TN. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Chattanooga will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of navigating each city.

ComparisonDurhamChattanooga
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2225
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, with some effortChallenging

Despite the average commute time being slightly shorter in Durham, both cities have relatively low traffic congestion, making driving a feasible option. However, when it comes to public transit, Durham scores a bit higher, suggesting a somewhat more robust system. This could mean buses or other public transportation options might be more frequently available in Durham compared to Chattanooga. Nonetheless, living without a car in either city could pose a challenge, significantly more so in Chattanooga where public transit options are less available. Thus, while both cities offer a semblance of ease in mobility, your reliance on a car might still be inevitable.

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