Best Durham to Tampa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Tampa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 679 mile move from North Carolina to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Durham to Tampa 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 $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Tampa. 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 Tampa 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
4Let's Get Moving9.149.26Authorized For HHG
5Two Men and a Truck9.068.51Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 679 miles from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL will cost on average $2,005 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Tampa move is roughly $4,807. 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$1,349300 ft³$4.50
1 Bedroom$2,005450 ft³$4.46
2 Bedrooms$3,310750 ft³$4.41
3 Bedrooms$4,8071100 ft³$4.37
4 Bedrooms$6,9241600 ft³$4.33
5+ Bedrooms$7,7131800 ft³$4.29
*Please note: These North Carolina to Florida moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & Florida. 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 FL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tampa to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Tampa 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
Let's Get Moving Logo

Let's Get Moving

Exceptional9.14/10
based on 1,579+ data points

6599 Haines Rd N

St. Petersburg, FL, 33702

About Let's Get Moving

This locally-owned moving company has been serving the St. Petersburg, FL, area since 2004. Let's Get Moving is a well-known Florida...

Services

  • Commercial moving services
  • Residential moving services
  • Local moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2270761 / 775415

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved78,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Exceptional9.06/10
based on 4,455+ data points

2549 Seven Springs Blvd

New Port Richey, FL, 34655

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck is a full-service, national moving company in Florida with over 35 years of experience. With a...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2113690 / FF-19726 812151

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers13
Total Annual Miles Moved310,000 (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. Tampa Neighborhood Comparison

Making a move from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To bridge that gap, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Tampa, FL . This guide is tailored to help you find a new area that feels like home, mirroring the community you're moving from.

DurhamTampaHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkHyde ParkHistoric homes, walkable streets
Ninth StreetSohoVibrant nightlife, dining options
Old West DurhamSeminole HeightsVintage homes, artistic vibe
American Tobacco DistrictYbor CityRich history, entertainment scene
Hope ValleyPalma CeiaUpscale, serene neighborhoods
BrightleafChannelsideTrendy apartments, waterfront views
WoodcroftWestchaseFamily-friendly, community events
Morehead HillHistoric KenwoodBungalow-style homes, inclusive community
Downtown DurhamDowntown TampaUrban core, business hub
Cleveland-HollowayBallast PointQuiet streets, access to nature

When making the transition from Durham to Tampa, it's fascinating to see how each city offers unique parallels that help ease the move. For instance, Durham's Ninth Street, known for its local eateries and indie shops, finds its match in Tampa's Soho, where the aroma from trendy cafes and bustling bars fills the air. If you're moving from the artistic environment of Old West Durham, you'll feel right at home in Seminole Heights, celebrated for its vintage shops and vibrant murals. And for those who admire the historic and walkable streets of Trinity Park, Hyde Park in Tampa offers an inviting blend of grand old homes and chic boutiques. Each Tampa neighborhood mirrors its Durham counterpart, ensuring you don't miss out on the aspects of your old community that you've grown to love.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Tampa

Moving from one city to another involves weighing various factors to make an informed decision. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the pros and cons of relocating from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL. By examining these aspects side by side, you can better understand how this move could affect your lifestyle, preferences, and day-to-day activities.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller tech hub
  • Less nightlife
  • Seasonal changes
  • Higher taxes
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • Larger job market
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Warmer winters
  • No state income tax
Tampa, FL iconTampa, FL
  • More humid
  • Fewer indie stores
  • Greater hurricane risk
  • Higher cost of living
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Cultural festivals
  • Unique local shops
  • Rich history
  • More affordable housing

Moving from Durham, NC, to Tampa, FL, entails not just a change in scenery but also adapting to new cultural, economic, and climatic conditions. In Durham, you might be used to the mix of quaint indie stores like The Regulator Bookshop, and the education-focused atmosphere brought by the proximity to Duke University. Tampa, however, offers a vibrant lifestyle with its bustling nightlife in areas like Ybor City and upscale dining options such as Bern's Steak House. While you'll miss Durham's seasonal beauty and lower cost of living, Tampa's year-round warm weather and no state income tax are enticing benefits. The potential for hurricanes is a notable risk, but Tampa's preparation and community resilience are reassuring. In summary, this move is a step into a larger, more diverse urban setting with its unique advantages and challenges.

Durham vs. Tampa Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Durham, NC, and Tampa, FL, highlighting the unique flavors and dining experiences each city offers. Understanding the food scene is essential for getting a taste of the local culture and lifestyle in your new home.

Durham
Tampa
Most iconic local food item
Pulled pork BBQ
Cuban Sandwich
Most popular meat dish
Carolina-style BBQ ribs
Deviled Crab
Most popular street food item
Food Truck Tacos
Empanadas
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Jackfruit
Black Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Bull City Burger
  • Pit Authentic Barbecue
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • Columbia Restaurant
  • Bern's Steak House
  • Ulele
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In moving from Durham to Tampa, you'll shift from the tangy flavors of Carolina BBQ to the rich, multicultural tapestry of Tampa's culinary scene, prominently featuring Cuban, Spanish, and Italian influences. Iconic dishes like the Cuban Sandwich and Deviled Crab embody the city's embrace of its coastal setting and diverse heritage. Tampa's historic neighborhoods, such as Ybor City and SoHo, offer an eclectic mix of dining experiences, from the century-old Columbia Restaurant, renowned for its Spanish cuisine, to innovative eateries like Ulele, which celebrates native Floridian ingredients. This city's vibrant food truck scene, while not as extensive as Durham's, still promises exciting street food adventures, especially with local favorites like Empanadas and Black Bean Burgers.

Durham vs. Tampa Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison aims to help you find your new favorite go-to spots in Tampa by drawing parallels with the beloved eateries of Durham. By focusing on the Durham to Tampa restaurant transition, you'll have a smoother culinary adjustment to your new home.

DurhamTampaWhat You'll Love
Mateo Bar de TapasColumbia RestaurantOffers a similar Spanish tapas dining experience.
Pizzeria ToroEddie & Sam’s N.Y. PizzaAuthentic New York-style pizza in the heart of Tampa.
Bull City Burger and BreweryElmer's Sports CafeBoth have a casual vibe with a strong emphasis on local beer and great burgers.
DashiIchicoro RamenA modern take on traditional ramen, much like Dashi's approach.
Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & BiergartenBavaro's Pizza Napoletana & PastariaOffers a European bakery and dining atmosphere.
Vin RougeBern's Steak HouseThough known for steaks, Bern's offers a sophisticated dining experience comparable to Vin Rouge.
Nana'sHavenFocuses on innovative and seasonal cuisine, making it a worthy counterpart to Nana's.
M SushiOcean PrimePremier seafood and sushi with an upscale ambiance.
Backyard BBQ PitBig Ray's Fish CampBoth are celebrated for their local, no-frills approach to serving outstanding food.
Foster's MarketDatzA similar eclectic and hearty selection of American comfort food.

Spanning from authentic tapas at Columbia Restaurant reminiscent of Mateo Bar de Tapas, to the soul-warming ramen of Ichicoro Ramen that mirrors the creative noodle dishes of Dashi, Tampa's culinary scene is diverse and inviting. If your evenings in Durham were often spent enjoying sophisticated dinners at Vin Rouge, prepare to be equally charmed by the legendary Bern's Steak House in Tampa with its world-renowned wine collection and classic elegance. On the more casual side, Tampa holds its own with places like Elmer's Sports Cafe and Big Ray's Fish Camp, ensuring that the comforting and familiar flavors are never far away. Tampa's willingness to embrace the flavors of other cities, coupled with its unique Floridian twist, means that relocating foodies can easily find a new place to call their culinary home.

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Ready to start your move?

Durham vs. Tampa Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between Durham, NC and Tampa, FL is crucial for making an informed decision. This comparison spans aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle to give you a comprehensive overview.

Durham
Tampa
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Craftsman
Spanish, Mediterranean
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large yards, proximity to research and education centers
Waterfront, proximity to beaches

In exploring the housing markets of Durham and Tampa, you'll notice both cities offer unique advantages. Durham's Colonial and Craftsman-style homes often come with large yards, mirroring its research and educational focus. It's slightly more walkable but less bike-friendly compared to Tampa. Tampa's allure lies in its Spanish and Mediterranean-style housing, emphasizing waterfront living and beach proximity, indicative of a higher urban lifestyle score. Regardless of your preference for quaint academic surroundings or vibrant coastal settings, both cities present appealing yet distinct lifestyles.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tampa, FL

1. Hyde Park : You’ll love Hyde Park for its walkable streets and multiple pet-friendly parks that make it easy to enjoy the outdoors with your pets.

2. Seminole Heights : This neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces and local cafes that welcome your furry friends, making it perfect for your pet-loving lifestyle.

3. South Tampa : With its abundance of pet-friendly housing options and access to nearby waterfront parks, South Tampa is ideal for you and your pet to enjoy an active lifestyle together.

Durham vs. Tampa Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another can drastically change your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding how the climate in Durham compares to Tampa is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you grasp the weather-related changes you should expect.

Durham
Tampa
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Occasional hurricanes, severe thunderstorms
Hurricanes, tropical storms
Air Quality
Generally Good
Good to Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/68
90/76
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

50/30
70/52


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

43
44.8
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

5
0


Although Durham and Tampa share some similarities, the differences in weather conditions can have a significant impact on your daily life. In Tampa, you'll enjoy more days of sunshine and a warmer winter climate, which can be a pleasant change if you're not fond of the cold. However, Tampa's higher humidity and UV index mean you'll need to be mindful of sun protection and might experience discomfort during the hottest days. The threat of hurricanes in Tampa is also more pronounced than in Durham, requiring additional preparations during hurricane season. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your lifestyle and home maintenance routines to better suit your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the difference in financial aspects such as income, taxes, and living expenses is crucial. This guide compares the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes between Durham and Tampa , providing a clearer view of what to expect in your new home.

Durham
Tampa
Avg. Household Income
$71,343
$63,404
Cost of Living Index
96.6
92.4
State Income Tax
5.25
0
Avg. Property Tax
0.85
0.97
Avg. Sales Tax
7.5
8.5
Top 3 Industries
Education, Health Services, Biotechnology
Tourism, Health Care, Retail
Affluence
Moderate
Variable
Poverty
Lower than national
Higher than national
Homelessness
Decreasing
Stable

While Durham boasts a higher average household income and a slightly higher cost of living compared to Tampa, the absence of state income tax in Florida presents Tampa as an enticing option for many. However, Durham's investment in education, health services, and biotechnology indicates a robust job market in these sectors. Conversely, Tampa relies heavily on tourism, health care, and retail, reflecting its unique economic landscape. The variance in affluence and poverty levels between the two cities also highlights the socio-economic diversity, presenting a broader context for potential newcomers to consider outside of just financial figures.

Durham vs. Tampa Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a cultural leap, and understanding the fabric of your new community is crucial. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Durham, NC and Tampa, FL. It's designed to help you grasp the social dynamics you'll be stepping into.

Durham
Tampa
Political Make-up
Liberal-leaning
Moderately liberal
Local Politics
Active in social issues
Active, with a focus on development
Religion
Diverse with strong Protestant presence
Diverse with a notable Episcopal community

Understanding the political and religious landscape of your new city is more than just a matter of curiosity; it can influence everything from your social circles to the issues you may feel passionate about engaging in. In Durham, you might find a more liberal-leaning crowd, actively engaged in various social issues, which is reflective of the city's diverse and vibrant community. This is complemented by a strong Protestant presence, though varied religious beliefs are celebrated. Tampa shares a moderately liberal viewpoint but focuses more on development and growth issues, alongside having a notable Episcopal community. Moving to Tampa, you'll encounter a similarly diverse religious fabric, but with different community focal points. This knowledge can help you connect with your new surroundings on a deeper level.

Durham vs. Tampa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Durham, NC to Tampa, FL, it's crucial to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between these two cities. This comparison will help you get a better sense of what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like after your move.

Durham
Tampa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
26
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
4 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Yes, but challenging
Difficult

While the average commute time in Durham might be shorter, you'll find Tampa's traffic to be denser due to its larger population and tourist activity. Durham does offer public transit options like buses and a planned light rail system that might make getting around without a car feasible, though not always convenient. In contrast, Tampa's reliance on cars is heavier, making it difficult to navigate the city without one. Both cities present unique challenges and conveniences, but knowing these differences can help you prepare for your move and adjust your expectations regarding transportation.

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