Best Durham to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Durham to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 783 miles from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Durham. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Durham entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Durham to Chicago moving option

Hire local Durham movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Durham to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Durham to Chicago movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Durham, NC to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Durham to Chicago moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 52 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Durham and Chicago areas.

From these 52 companies, we analyzed a total of 29,144 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 35 state and federal moving licenses from these 52 companies and 268 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~29,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 20,946 Durham to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Durham to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.73/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 22,572 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.37/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 8,217 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.95/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 4,710 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.81/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 8,031 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.75/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 4,052 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.94/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 11,455 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.18/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 11,430 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.49/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 21,464 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.65/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 12,709 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.54/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 2,547 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.44/10 avg (Durham & Chicago combined) from 11,388 reviews

From Durham to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Downtown in Durham & West Loop in Chicago are both known for their: local eateries & bustling nightlife
• Durham's Trinity Park neighborhood & Chicago's Hyde Park both share: historic streets & campus proximity
• If you're moving from Ninth Street, check out Wicker Park in the Chicago area for the: funky eateries & nightlife
• Do you enjoy Forest Hills' community vibe & green spaces? You're sure to love Andersonville
• Move from Hope Valley to Gold Coast and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: upscale homes & affluent demographic
• Brier Creek & South Loop are both known for their: mixed-use development & new apartments
• Durham's Southpoint neighborhood & Chicago's River North neighborhood both have: retail hubs & office complexes
• If you're moving from Geer Street, look into Pilsen for the: arts district & street murals
• Do you cherish living in Lakewood's family-friendly environment & being near parks? Move into Lincoln Park for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Chicago

ConsDurham, NC

• Smaller city vibe
• Milder winters
• Less diverse cuisine
• Fewer cultural institutions
• Limited public transit

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger, vibrant city
• Dynamic seasons
• World-class dining
• Rich cultural scene
• Extensive public transit

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Chicago, IL

• More impersonal
• Higher cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Less green space
• Busier downtown

Durham, NC

• Close-knit community
• Lower cost of living
• Easier traffic
• Abundance of nature
• Quaint downtown

Pros of moving from Durham to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the smaller city vibe and hello to the larger, vibrant city
• Look forward to moving away from milder winters and moving to Chicago with dynamic seasons
• Swap the less diverse cuisine of Durham for world-class dining in Chicago
• Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Chicago

Cons of moving from Durham to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a close-knit community in Durham to live with a more impersonal atmosphere in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to easier traffic and get used to heavy traffic in Chicago
• Swap an abundance of nature for less green space

Durham vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Durham to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic North Carolina BBQ of Durham for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Durham rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-Style Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Durham eateries like Plates Neighborhood Kitchen, Mateo Bar de Tapas, and Pizzeria Toro. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Giordano's, The Purple Pig, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Durham. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Durham. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Chicago.

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Durham favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Mateo Bar de Tapas, Pizzeria Toro, and Bull City Burger and Brewery in Durham, we're sure you'll love Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, and Au Cheval in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Durham hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, head to Honey Butter Fried Chicken on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Durham and Chicago

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Durham is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Chicago Bungalow architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Durham's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and quiet neighborhoods, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transportation.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Durham.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Durham.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Durham.
• Chicago housing costs are 28% less expensive than those in Durham, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Durham’s $404,856.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 64% increase in Durham.
• Rent in Chicago is 24.11% more expensive than in Durham.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Durham and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Durham to Chicago, as Chicago gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Durham.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Durham.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and severe storms in Durham, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and extreme cold in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers, as the average summer high temperature in Chicago is 7 degrees colder than in Durham.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in Durham.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago, as it receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Durham.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Durham and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 7% less than in Durham
• The COLI in Chicago is 21% higher than what you are used to living in Durham
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.25 in NC
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate in Durham
• The poverty level is higher in Chicago compared to lower in Durham
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Durham and higher in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Durham vs. Chicago

• Durham tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with diverse religious representation including Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities
• Durham's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian with a significant presence of other religions

Durham vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 55% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Durham commute. That's 6,240 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Durham.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.