Best Nashville to Durham Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Nashville to Durham and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 516 mile move from Tennessee to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Nashville to Durham 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 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Nashville compared to Durham. 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 Nashville to Durham Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
3Little Guys Movers Nashville9.119.01Authorized For HHG
46th Man Movers9.008.79Authorized For HHG
5Smooth Moving & Storage8.978.63Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 516 miles from Nashville, TN to Durham, NC will cost on average $2,220 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Nashville to Durham move is roughly $5,317. 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$1,495300 ft³$4.98
1 Bedroom$2,220450 ft³$4.93
2 Bedrooms$3,663750 ft³$4.88
3 Bedrooms$5,3171100 ft³$4.83
4 Bedrooms$7,6531600 ft³$4.78
5+ Bedrooms$8,5201800 ft³$4.73
*Please note: These Tennessee to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & 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 TN to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Durham to Nashville guide.

Compare the 5 Best Nashville to Durham 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
Little Guys Movers Nashville Logo

Little Guys Movers Nashville

Exceptional9.11/10
based on 170+ data points

Nashville, TN, 37201

About Little Guys Movers Nashville

Established in 1992, Little Guys Movers Nashville is a highly regarded franchise providing numerous moving and packing services. They cater to...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4004993 / 1506293

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
6th Man Movers Logo

6th Man Movers

Superb9.00/10
based on 4,696+ data points

309 Hermitage Ave

Nashville, TN, 37210

About 6th Man Movers

As a locally owned and operated moving company based in Nashville, Tennessee, 6th Man Movers serves Nashville residents with high-quality relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Labor Only

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2315850 / 853001

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved12,508 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Smooth Moving & Storage Logo

Smooth Moving & Storage

Superb8.97/10
based on 317+ 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.

Nashville vs. Durham Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the local areas. To help ease this transition, we've put together a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Nashville, TN, & Durham, NC. This guide aims to match you with a Durham neighborhood that shares similarities with your favorite area in Nashville, making your move a little easier.

NashvilleDurhamHow They're Similar
East NashvilleOld North DurhamArtsy, vibrant hub
Green HillsHope ValleyUpscale, serene residential
12 SouthTrinity ParkQuaint homes, eclectic charm
The GulchDowntown DurhamTrendy, urban living
Music RowAmerican Tobacco DistrictHistoric, cultural scene
Belmont/HillsboroForest HillsHistoric homes, lush parks
GermantownCleveland-HollowayHistoric, close-knit community
West EndWatts Hospital-HillandaleMature trees, established vibe
Sylvan ParkRockwoodQuiet, family-friendly atmosphere
Berry HillWarehouse DistrictCreative, small town feel within city

For those who admire the artsy and vibrant vibe of East Nashville with its eclectic eateries like Marché Artisan Foods, its Nashville counterpart, Old North Durham, offers a similarly energetic atmosphere with spots like Coco Bean Coffee Shop. Trinity Park mirrors 12 South’s quaint and eclectic charm with a range of unique homes and local businesses such as Fullsteam Brewery, making it a haven for those seeking a blend of residential comfort within easy reach of downtown amenities. Meanwhile, the upscale serene residential feel of Green Hills finds its match in Hope Valley, known for its prestigious golf course and sprawling homes, perfect for those looking for a touch of luxury and tranquility in their new neighborhood.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Nashville to Durham

Moving from Nashville, TN to Durham, NC presents a unique opportunity to weigh the advantages against the drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes associated with this relocation, empowering you to make an informed decision. By juxtaposing the cons of Nashville with the pros of Durham, and vice versa, a clearer picture of what to expect emerges.

CONs
PROs
Nashville, TN iconNashville, TN
  • Higher cost of living
  • Dense traffic
  • Hot Summers
  • Less green space
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • More affordable housing
  • Smaller traffic issues
  • Milder Summers
  • More parks and trails
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Smaller music scene
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Fewer restaurants
Nashville, TN iconNashville, TN
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Rich cultural life
  • Larger city benefits
  • More dining options

Moving from Nashville's famed music and cultural scene to Durham offers both opportunities and compromises. While you might miss Nashville's vast array of dining options, including the iconic Hattie B's Hot Chicken, Durham counters with its own culinary delights like the acclaimed Pizzeria Toro and the bustling Durham Central Park food scenes. Durham's milder summers and abundant green spaces, such as the Eno River State Park, provide a refreshing change from Nashville's heat and urban sprawl, offering a closeness to nature not as readily found in the larger city. While the transition might involve adjusting to less cultural diversity and a smaller music scene, Durham's growing community and vibrant local culture present ample opportunities for new experiences and explorations.

Nashville vs. Durham Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Nashville, TN & Durham, NC. Food is a significant part of what defines local culture and the living experience in any area. By comparing the culinary scenes of Nashville and Durham, you'll gain insights into the food landscape awaiting you in your new city.

Nashville
Durham
Most iconic local food item
Hot Chicken
Pulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dish
BBQ Ribs
Brisket
Most popular street food item
Gourmet Hot Dogs
Food Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Jackfruit
Vegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Prince's Hot Chicken
  • Arnold's Country Kitchen
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
  • The Pit Durham
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Mateo Bar De Tapas
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 Nashville, the Hot Chicken has not just remained a local delicacy but evolved into a nationwide phenomenon, with places like Prince's Hot Chicken leading the charge. On the other hand, Durham celebrates its love for barbecue with a focus on Pulled Pork BBQ, which can be savored at local favorites like The Pit Durham. Both cities boast a vibrant street food scene, with Nashville offering gourmet hot dogs and Durham famous for its food truck tacos. Vegan options are plentiful in both locales, though Durham slightly edges out with its innovative vegan soul food offerings, reflecting its community's growing health consciousness. Whether you're exploring the bustling food truck gatherings in Durham's Central Park or sampling the legendary hot chicken in Nashville's Midtown, you're entering a world where food not only defines the local culture but also brings people together.

Nashville vs. Durham Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be an adventure, and discovering new favorite eateries is a big part of making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will serve as a flavorful guide, connecting Nashville to Durham, helping you transition seamlessly between culinary scenes. Whether you're in search of upscale dining, casual eateries, or something uniquely local, this comparison aims to match your Nashville favorites with a Durham equivalent.

NashvilleDurhamWhat You'll Love
The Catbird SeatMateo Bar de TapasBoth offer an intimate, upscale dining experience with a focus on inventive dishes.
Hattie B's Hot ChickenHeavenly BuffaloesKnown for their mouth-watering chicken wings and variety of sauces, a comfort food haven.
Arnold's Country KitchenTrue Flavors DinerBoth specialize in hearty, Southern comfort meals with a homey vibe.
Pinewood SocialFullsteam BreweryA laid-back spot with a versatile space for dining, drinking, and socializing, similar to Pinewood's vibe.
City HousePizzeria ToroOffers a similar rustic, yet modern, approach to Italian cuisine, especially noted for pizza.
Rolf and DaughtersMother & Sons TrattoriaBoth exude an industrial chic atmosphere while serving innovative Italian dishes.
Prince's Hot ChickenBull City Burger and BreweryThough known for burgers, their approach to local, quality ingredients and unique flavors draws a parallel.
The Loveless CafeElmo's DinerBoth epitomize classic diner experiences with a focus on breakfast menus and a welcoming atmosphere.
Butcher & BeeParker and OtisOffers a comparable experience in terms of a creative and eclectic menu, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
JosephineParizadeWhile Josephine offers a modern American dining experience, Parizade gives a similar feel with its Mediterranean flare.

Enticing your palate in Durham won't be hard, especially if you know where to look. For instance, lovers of Hattie B's Hot Chicken in Nashville will find solace in Heavenly Buffaloes in Durham, where the chicken wings reign supreme. Similarly, Arnold's Country Kitchen's down-home Southern cooking has a counterpart in True Flavors Diner, where every dish feels like a hug from the inside. Moreover, for those who relish the ambiance and innovative Italian dishes at Rolf and Daughters, Mother & Sons Trattoria in Durham offers an equally compelling culinary and atmospheric experience, proving that the heart of Italy can indeed be found in the heart of Durham.

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Nashville vs. Durham Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect when considering relocation. Understanding how Nashville, TN and Durham, NC compare in terms of housing can facilitate a smoother transition. This comparison covers various dimensions including cost, architecture, and livability.

Nashville
Durham
Typical Architecture Style
Neoclassical, Modern
Colonial Revival, Craftsman
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 Backyards, Modern Kitchens
Historic Details, Energy Efficiency

When comparing the real estate landscapes of Nashville and Durham, it's evident that each city offers its distinct appeal. Nashville's homes often boast modern kitchens and spacious backyards, catering to those who value privacy and contemporary living spaces. Conversely, Durham's real estate market highlights energy-efficient features and historic details, appealing to buyers with an eye for tradition and sustainability. Moreover, Durham provides a more walkable environment, critical for individuals who prioritize pedestrian-friendly communities. Understanding these nuances will help shape your expectations and guide your decision-making process.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Durham, NC

1. Trinity Park : You’ll enjoy plenty of walking paths and green spaces where your pet can stretch their legs within this vibrant, community-focused neighborhood.

2. Woodcroft : With a range of trails and parks, your pet will have lots of room to explore and make new friends in this serene, nature-centered area.

3. Southpoint : This neighborhood offers pet-friendly amenities and nearby parks, giving you and your pet ample opportunities for outdoor activities and socialization.

Nashville vs. Durham Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Nashville, TN to Durham, NC, it's crucial to consider how the weather might change. Understanding the differences ensures you're prepared for new seasonal patterns and can enjoy your new home from the moment you arrive. Here, we compare the weather patterns between Nashville and Durham to provide a clear picture of what to expect.

Nashville
Durham
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
Tornadoes, Floods
Hurricanes, Ice storms
Air Quality
Good
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/70
89/68
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

49/30
51/32


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

47
46
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4
6


While the average summer temperatures in Nashville and Durham may look similar, the slightly higher humidity levels in Durham can make the summers feel warmer than you might be used to. Durham also enjoys more days of sunshine per year, which is great for those who love the outdoors. However, it's worth noting that Durham faces a different set of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and ice storms, compared to Nashville's tornadoes and floods. Both cities boast good air quality and share common allergens like pollen and mold, which could be a continuity comfort for allergy sufferers.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move, it's vital to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison sheds light on the differences you'll encounter in cost of living, taxes, and economic environment between Nashville and Durham. Knowing these differences will help you make an informed decision about your relocation.

Nashville
Durham
Avg. Household Income
$64,857
$71,343
Cost of Living Index
88.9
96.6
State Income Tax
0
5.25
Avg. Property Tax
0.93
0.84
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
7.5
Top 3 Industries
Music, Healthcare, Education
Education, Healthcare, Technology
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Notable
Significant
Homelessness
Concerning
Worrying

While both Nashville and Durham have their unique charm and economic landscapes, they also present distinct challenges and opportunities financially. Nashville's lack of state income tax makes it an attractive choice for many, although its sales tax is relatively high. Durham, on the other hand, while having a state income tax, counters with a vibrant technology sector contributing to its economy. Understanding these nuances can help you budget and plan for your life in a new city, ensuring you're not caught off guard by the cost of living and tax differences.

Nashville vs. Durham Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick overview to help you understand the comparison of the politics and religious landscape between Nashville, TN & Durham, NC . Whether you're curious about local politics, the general political makeup of the population, or the religious environment, this comparison aims to offer a snapshot to assist in your transition.

Nashville
Durham
Political Make-up
Leans Democratic
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Moderate, with a focus on economic development
Progressive, with strong support for social issues
Religion
Christianity (Diverse denominations)
Christianity, but with a significant non-religious population

When moving from Nashville to Durham, you'll find that, while both cities lean Democratic, Durham has a more pronounced progressive stance, particularly on social issues. Nashville’s politics are characterized by a more moderate stance, often emphasizing economic growth and development. The religious landscape also offers contrasts. Nashville has a vibrant Christian community with diverse denominations, reflecting its cultural richness. Durham, while also having a strong Christian presence, is notable for its significant non-religious population, signifying a broader spectrum of beliefs and practices. These differences give each city a unique cultural and political flavor, shaping your experience as you transition from one to the other.

Nashville vs. Durham Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Nashville, TN, to Durham, NC, requires understanding the daily commute and traffic differences. This comparison focuses on the traffic and transportation options between Nashville & Durham to help you prepare for your new daily routines.

Nashville
Durham
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
22
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Moderately feasible

When comparing the daily life in Nashville to that in Durham, one of the most notable differences is in the traffic congestion and the reliance on personal vehicles. Nashville's higher traffic congestion rating indicates that you may experience longer delays and more frequent traffic jams. Despite this, Durham offers slightly better public transportation options, making it more realistic to live there without a car. However, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs and living situation as, even in cities with higher public transit ratings, the necessity for a car can vary greatly depending on the exact location and your daily commute.

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