MoveCostGuide

Local Move

Moving from Durham, NC to Raleigh, NC

21 miles · 24 min drive · Estimated cost $919$1,567 for a 2-bedroom move

21 miles
24 min drive
Cost Index: 0.981.00

Cost Estimate: Durham to Raleigh

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$1,239
Range: $919$1,567
  • Professional packing & unpacking
  • Loading, transport & unloading
  • Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$791
Range: $608$981
  • You pack your own boxes
  • Movers load, transport & unload
  • Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$364
Range: $187$550
  • Truck rental + gas + equipment
  • No labor costs — you do the lifting
  • Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Durham to Raleigh move.

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Durham, NCRaleigh, NC · 21 miles

Low

$919

Estimated

$1,239

High

$1,567

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom local move from Durham to Raleigh.

Total$1,240
Labor(35.6%)
$374$508
Transportation(30.8%)
$273$491
Packing(27.3%)
$225$450
Insurance(2.8%)
$17$58
Tips(3.5%)
$30$61

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Durham to Raleigh vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
CheapestModerateExpensive
Origin

Durham

North Carolina
Destination

Raleigh

North Carolina
Cost of Living Index
98
100
Average Rent (1BR)
$1,350
$1,400
Average Rent (2BR)
$1,650
$1,700
You'll spend ~3% more on housing
Average rent in Raleigh is $1,550/mo vs $1,500/mo in Durham
Top Neighborhoods
Raleigh
  • North Hills
  • Cameron Village
  • Five Points
  • Oakwood
  • ITB (Inside the Beltline)

Local Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 21-mile move from Durham to Raleigh.

1

Consider a DIY move

At under 100 miles, renting a truck for your Durham to Raleigh move can save you 50–70% compared to full-service movers.

2

Move mid-week

Tuesday through Thursday moves are typically 15–25% cheaper than weekend moves, with better availability.

3

Declutter before you pack

Sell or donate items you no longer need. Less stuff means fewer boxes, a smaller truck, and a lower bill.

4

Get at least 3 quotes

Local moving company rates can vary dramatically. Always compare at least three in-home or video estimates.

5

Reserve your elevator

If you live in an apartment building, book the service elevator in advance to avoid delays and extra hourly charges.

Finding Local Movers

For local moves under 100 miles, we recommend searching for movers in the Durham area. Local companies often provide better rates and more personalized service than national carriers for short-distance moves. Always get at least 3 in-home estimates and verify licensing through the FMCSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Durham to Raleigh?
The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Durham, NC to Raleigh, NC ranges from $919 to $1,567, with a typical cost around $1,239. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $364. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.
How long does the drive from Durham to Raleigh take?
The distance from Durham to Raleigh is approximately 21 miles. The estimated driving time is 24 min, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 1 day to deliver your belongings.
What's the cheapest month to move from Durham to Raleigh?
January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.
Should I hire movers or do it myself?
For a 21-mile move, a DIY move can save you significantly — rental trucks are affordable for short distances, and you can recruit friends to help. Compare your DIY cost of ~$364 vs. full-service at ~$1,239 to decide.
How far is Durham from Raleigh?
Durham, NC is approximately 21 miles from Raleigh, NC. This is classified as a local move and the drive takes roughly 24 min.
What size moving truck do I need for a move from Durham to Raleigh?
For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.

Moving to Raleigh from elsewhere?

Compare moving costs from other cities to Raleigh, NC.