Moving from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem, NC
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Quick answer: Moving from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem costs between $85 to $4,023 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 76-mile route within North Carolina take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Chapel Hill to driving and unloading in Winston-Salem, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 76 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,109 - $3,276 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $828 - $1,635 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $97 - $170 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $95/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem?
It costs between $85 to $4,023 to move from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem. The prices below break down your 76-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $553 - $4,023
- Moving containers: $602 - $1,931
- Rental trucks: $85 - $179
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $553 - $2,708 | $602 - $1,095 | $85 - $140 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,109 - $3,276 | $828 - $1,635 | $97 - $170 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,583 - $4,023 | $1,014 - $1,931 | $119 - $179 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $324 - $2,700+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $95/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $216 - $864 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $54 - $216 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem
At 76 miles, your Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout North Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 76 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem. They've been in business since 2023 (3 years of experience) and 93.2% of their 397 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill guide.
Considerations when moving from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem
Cost of living: Chapel Hill vs. Winston-Salem
The cost of living in Chapel Hill vs. Winston-Salem isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Winston-Salem compares to what you’re used to in Chapel Hill.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chapel Hill | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $566,857 | $208,184 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,825 | $57,673 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,248 | $2,420 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,790 | $5,265 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent in Winston-Salem is about 33% cheaper than in Chapel Hill. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Winston-Salem are 63% lower than in Chapel Hill. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Winston-Salem is 33% lower than in Chapel Hill, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- Living costs for one person are 8% higher in Winston-Salem compared to Chapel Hill. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Winston-Salem, plan for living expenses to be about 10% higher than in Chapel Hill. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Winston-Salem is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is 63% higher than in Chapel Hill. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- With sales taxes 7% lower in Winston-Salem than Chapel Hill, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Chapel Hill, you’ll need about $3,240 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Winston-Salem
Before you move, check out how life in Winston-Salem measures up to Chapel Hill. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Chapel Hill | Winston-Salem | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 63,764 | 249,545 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 75-24 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 29ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 45" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 6" |
| Crime index | 26.42 | 32.67 |
Winston-Salem sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Winston-Salem has a population roughly 291% higher than Chapel Hill. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- In the last presidential election, Winston-Salem voted Republican, while Chapel Hill leaned Democratic.
- You’ll find that both Winston-Salem and Chapel Hill have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem—with winter lows around 29°F and 28°F.
- Both Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem see similar yearly rainfall—Chapel Hill averages 46 inches, while Winston-Salem gets 45 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem, averaging 4 and 6 inches each year.
- Winston-Salem shows a higher crime rate than Chapel Hill, with index scores of 32.67 compared to 26.42.
Things to do in Winston-Salem
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Winston-Salem has plenty to offer:
Museums in Winston-Salem
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens
- Frank L Horton Museum Center
- Kaleideum Downtown
- Kaleideum North
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Parks in Winston-Salem
- REYNOLDA ESTATE
- SALEM LAKE
- QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE
- POLO PARK
- HATHAWAY PARK
Sports teams in Winston-Salem
- Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA)
- Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East)
- Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL)
- Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League)
- Wake Forest (NCAA)
Universities in Winston-Salem
- Wake Forest University
- Winston-Salem State University
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- Salem College
- Forsyth Technical Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem?
Shipping furniture from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem with a moving company typically costs between $532 and $2,330. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,109 to $3,276. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,583 and $4,023 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem?
If you’re planning a move from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $438 and $1,026. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $828 to $1,635. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,014 to $1,931.
How much is a moving truck from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $85 and $140. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $97 and $170. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem, truck rentals usually range from $119 up to $179.
How far in advance should I book Chapel Hill-to-Winston-Salem movers?
To make your move from Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Winston-Salem?
The cheapest time of year to move to Winston-Salem is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
