Best Durham to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,741 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Durham to Salinas moving companies and more than 20,000 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 $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Salinas. 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 Salinas Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
3Capital Moving & Storage9.279.47Authorized For HHG
4Mod Movers8.818.1Authorized For HHG
5Poulos Moving Systems8.378.48Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Durham to Salinas?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,741 miles from Durham, NC to Salinas, CA will cost on average $4,112 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Salinas move is roughly $9,942. 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$2,756300 ft³$9.19
1 Bedroom$4,112450 ft³$9.14
2 Bedrooms$6,816750 ft³$9.09
3 Bedrooms$9,9421100 ft³$9.04
4 Bedrooms$14,3811600 ft³$8.99
5+ Bedrooms$16,0891800 ft³$8.94
*Please note: These North Carolina to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & California. 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 CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Salinas 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

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ 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 3,932+ 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
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 1,367+ 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
3
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.81/10
based on 960+ data points

1118 Airport Way STE 100

Monterey, CA, 93940

About Mod Movers

Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Interstate Movers

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.37/10
based on 464+ data points

222 Commission St

Salinas, CA, 93901

About Poulos Moving Systems

A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Office Moves
  • Intrastate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
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. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

When moving from one city to another, it helps to start with what you know. In this guide, we'll help you familiarize yourself with your new city by using your current city as a baseline. We'll conduct a comprehensive comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Salinas, CA to find the closest matches. This approach aims to ease your transition and make Salinas feel like home much sooner.

DurhamSalinasHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkMaple ParkHistoric homes, community-oriented
Old West DurhamSouth SalinasVibrant, mix of old and new
WoodcroftLaurelwoodFamily-friendly, suburban feel
American Tobacco DistrictOldtown SalinasCultural hub, dining options
Hope ValleyMonterey ParkQuiet, upscale living
BrightleafNorthridgeShopping, leisure activities
TreyburnCreeksideSecluded, exclusive community
Duke ParkClaremont ManorParks, family-friendly atmosphere
Forest HillsHarrodLush greenery, historic charm
Ninth StreetMain StreetLively, local shops and cafes

Exploring the relationships between neighborhoods in Durham, NC, and Salinas, CA, can reveal shared qualities that make a relocation feel less daunting. For instance, if you love the vibrant atmosphere, eclectic shops, and local eateries of Ninth Street, you'll find a similar vibe along Main Street in Salinas, a bustling area filled with unique businesses and cozy cafes. Meanwhile, the historic charm and family-friendly ambiance of Maple Park might remind Durham's Trinity Park residents of home, with its stately homes and tight-knit community feel. For those moving from a culturally rich area like the American Tobacco District, Oldtown Salinas offers an appealing blend of history, culture, and dining, making it an exciting area to explore new restaurants and local entertainment.

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Things to Do in Salinas

  • Explore Pinnacles National Park.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at River Road Wine Trail.
  • Visit the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.
  • Stroll along Salinas River Walk.
  • Attend California Rodeo Salinas.
  • Shop at Oldtown Salinas.
  • Take a class at Heidi’s Studio.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Salinas

Moving can be a monumental shift in one's life, balancing a mix of opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the goods and the bads of relocating from Durham, NC to Salinas, CA, helping you weigh the contrasts between these two distinct locales. Through a thoughtful examination, we aim to illuminate the complexities and rewards of such a move.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Higher humidity
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Smaller tech hub
  • Less scenic views
  • Fewer organic farms
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Larger tech industry
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Abundant organic produce
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less historical sites
  • Less green spaces
  • Different social dynamics
  • Adjustment to new culture
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Lower cost of living
  • Rich history
  • Lush greenery
  • Friendly communities
  • Vibrant local culture

Moving from Durham, NC, to Salinas, CA, presents a unique opportunity to engage with a remarkably different environment and lifestyle. Salinas is celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage, offering access to fresh, organic produce directly from the source. This shift brings you closer to the stunning natural beauty of California, from the picturesque landscapes of Salinas River State Beach to the lush, rolling hills surrounding the city. While the cultural ambiance of Durham, with its historic roots and lush greenery, might be missed, Salinas introduces you to a vibrant and diverse community, evidenced by its eclectic mix of restaurants and cultural festivals. The transition might involve adapting to new social dynamics and a higher cost of living, yet the promise of Salinas lies in its outdoor lifestyle, scenic beauty, and the enriching diversity that defines California's Central Coast.

Durham vs. Salinas Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Salinas looks at food as a vibrant expression of local culture and living experience. We’re dishing out insights to help you savor the change ahead.

Durham
Salinas
Most iconic local food item
Carolina BBQ
Artichokes
Most popular meat dish
Pulled Pork
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Jackfruit
Vegetarian Burritos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Poole's Diner
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Dame's Chicken & Waffles
  • Growers Pub
  • Patria
  • Salinas Brick House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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In Durham, the beloved Carolina BBQ and pulled pork embody the city's rich culinary heritage, celebrated at places like Poole's Diner. The city boasts a vibrant food truck scene, allowing you to explore eclectic tastes, including the innovative vegan options that mirror Durham's progressive dining landscape. Over in Salinas, the local cuisine is deeply influenced by the area's agricultural bounty, with artichokes and vegetarian burritos highlighting the fresh, local produce available. Exploring Salinas' food scene leads you to gems like Patria and Growers Pub, where the local flavors are as rich as the stories behind them.

Durham vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a big step, but finding a slice of culinary comfort can make anywhere feel like home. This restaurant comparison from Durham, NC to Salinas, CA aims to transition your taste buds smoothly, guiding you to your new favorite hangouts. Let the journey of flavors commence!

DurhamSalinasWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasPortobello'sClassic tapas offerings in an intimate setting.
Nana's RestaurantPatriaOffers a cozy ambiance with European-inspired dishes.
Pizzeria ToroGino's Fine Italian FoodKnown for their wood-fired pizzas and warm atmosphere.
Bull City Burger and BrewerySalinas City BBQA place where burger lovers meet for quality brews and burgers, BBQ style.
M SushiHarumiServes fresh sushi and Japanese dishes that cater to seafood aficionados.
Dame's Chicken & WafflesThe Breakfast ClubKnown for their hearty breakfasts and comfort food, with a soulful twist.
Fosters MarketFirst AwakeningsA casual spot with a similar focus on fresh, home-style dishes and baked goods.
The PitEagle RestaurantOffers a traditional barbecue experience with a focus on local flavors.
ToastBagel Corner & Deli CafeGreat for sandwiches and a quick, comfortable bite in a cozy setting.
Rue ClerLa Casa del SazonRemarkable for its dedicated approach to flavorful, traditional dishes in a homely atmosphere.

For those who cherish the diverse and vibrant dining scene of Durham, finding a similar vibe in Salinas starts with knowing where to look. Portobello's might just become your new go-to for tapas, replicating the intimate and social dining experience of Mateo Bar de Tapas. Craving the artisanal touch of Pizzeria Toro's wood-fired pizzas? Gino's Fine Italian Food offers that same emphasis on quality ingredients and a cozy ambiance. And for those who can’t go without the unique flavors of authentic barbecue, Salinas City BBQ serves up an experience reminiscent of The Pit, ensuring you're satisfied with hearty, flavorful dishes. These culinary gems in Salinas are poised to offer comforting tastes and memorable experiences, making your transition not just about a new location, but also about discovering and embracing local flavors and communities.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

Exploring Durham, NC vs. Salinas, CA in terms of real estate is crucial for individuals planning a move. Understanding how these two cities measure up in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle amenities can profoundly impact your relocation decision. Let's dive into the specifics.

Durham
Salinas
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial Revival
Ranch-style
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, hardwood floors
Garage, proximity to agriculture

When comparing Durham and Salinas, the difference in median home prices and monthly rent clearly stands out, reflecting California's generally higher cost of living. Durham's Colonial Revival homes contrast with the Ranch-style prevalent in Salinas, indicating a subtle yet significant difference in lifestyle and aesthetic preferences between the two cities. Despite these differences, both cities offer unique urban lifestyles, with Salinas scoring slightly higher, possibly due to its proximity to the California coast and agricultural surroundings. These factors, along with specific amenities such as spacious yards in Durham versus garage spaces in Salinas, could significantly influence your decision on where to move.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salinas, CA

1. South Salinas: You'll find plenty of parks and open spaces, ideal for walking your dog and enjoying the outdoors together.

2. Creekbridge: This area boasts numerous greenbelts and walking paths perfect for exercising your pets while taking in the scenic views.

3. Monte Bella: Known for its pet-friendly amenities, this neighborhood offers convenient access to parks and pet services, making life easier for pet owners.

Durham vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

When preparing to move from Durham, NC to Salinas, CA, understanding how the weather compares in these locations is crucial. This comparison will help you adjust better to your new home, considering differences in temperature, sunshine, and potential natural events. Let's delve into the weather characteristics of Durham and Salinas to see how they stack up against each other.

Durham
Salinas
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
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Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Earthquakes
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/71
71/54
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

52/32
62/44


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

43
14.9
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4
0


In transitioning from Durham to Salinas, you'll find a significant difference in climate dynamics. Salinas boasts a milder summer with an average high 18 degrees cooler than Durham and enjoys nearly 50 more days of sunshine annually. This could mean a more consistent and comfortable outdoor experience year-round. While Durham experiences a diverse range of natural disasters including hurricanes and tornadoes, Salinas' primary concern is earthquakes. Understanding these variations is key to preparing for life in a new city, from the type of clothes you'll wear to the natural event preparedness efforts you might undertake.

Ready to start your move?

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

Understanding the financial implications of a move from Durham, NC to Salinas, CA is crucial. This comparison highlights key fiscal aspects, offering insight into how the cost of living, taxes, and income might shift. Such awareness ensures you're better prepared for the economic landscape that awaits.

Durham
Salinas
Avg. Household Income
$71,343
$80,154
Cost of Living Index
96.6
136.4
State Income Tax
5.25
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.84
0.73
Avg. Sales Tax
7.5
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Education, Health Services, Biotechnology
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
moderate
moderate
Poverty
low
moderate
Homelessness
noticeable
significant

When moving from Durham to Salinas, you'll notice a stark increase in the cost of living – a significant jump to 139.0 from Durham's 98.3 on the cost of living index. This surge reflects not just in housing but also in daily expenses. Despite a slight increase in average household income in Salinas, state income and sales taxes are noticeably higher, directly affecting your take-home pay and spending power. Being prepared for these financial shifts helps manage expectations and budget effectively for a smooth transition.

Durham vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

In planning your move from Durham, NC, to Salinas, CA, it's beneficial to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This guide offers a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Durham & Salinas , giving you a quick snapshot of what to expect from your new neighbors and community atmosphere.

Durham
Salinas
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive focus, strong emphasis on social issues
Agricultural interests prominent, with strong community advocacy
Religion
Varied, with significant Christian and non-religious populations
Majority Catholic, with growing Buddhist and Muslim communities

When moving from Durham to Salinas, you'll find both cities share a Democratic political leaning. However, the local political landscape and religious makeup offer distinct experiences. Durham prides itself on a progressive stance towards social issues, often rallying for causes that impact community well-being. This engagement is mirrored in Salinas, but with a stronger emphasis on agricultural policies reflecting its economic backbone. Religion in Durham presents a colorful tapestry, catering to a broad spectrum of beliefs and practices. In contrast, Salinas hosts a predominant Catholic population, enriched further by its burgeoning Buddhist and Muslim communities, offering a blend of traditional and emerging spiritual practices.

Durham vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Salinas, CA requires understanding the difference in daily commute and traffic. This comparison between Durham & Salinas will help you better grasp what to expect in terms of traffic and transportation options in both cities.

Durham
Salinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
25
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
3 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Challenging
Possible, but limited

In Durham, the average commute time is slightly less than in Salinas, suggesting a marginally faster pace of daily travel. However, while traffic congestion is a bit more prevalent in Durham, the city compensates with better public transit options. Residents in Durham find it somewhat challenging to get by without a car, unlike Salinas, where living without a vehicle is possible but comes with limitations. This underscores the importance of having a reliable mode of transportation in Durham, while in Salinas, you might rely more on the city's public transit system for your daily commute.

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