Moving from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill, NC
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill costs between $86 to $4,104 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 Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Winston-Salem to driving and unloading in Chapel Hill, 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 | $1,165 - $3,276 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $836 - $1,572 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $97 - $162 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | American Moving & Hauling, Inc. | $85/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 Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill?
It costs between $86 to $4,104 to move from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill. The prices below break down your 76-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $570 - $4,104
- Moving containers: $626 - $1,893
- Rental trucks: $86 - $171
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $570 - $2,708 | $626 - $1,116 | $86 - $136 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,165 - $3,276 | $836 - $1,572 | $97 - $162 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,537 - $4,104 | $1,100 - $1,893 | $111 - $171 |
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 | $252 - $2,100+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $100/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $168 - $672 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $168 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill
At 76 miles, your Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill 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 Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill. 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
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill. They've been in business since 2013 (13 years of experience) and 42.9% of their 35 verified reviews are positive.
More North Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chapel Hill to Winston-Salem guide.
Considerations when moving from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill
Cost of living: Winston-Salem vs. Chapel Hill
The cost of living in Winston-Salem vs. Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill compares to what you’re used to in Winston-Salem.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Winston-Salem | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,950 |
| Average home cost | $208,184 | $566,857 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,673 | $85,825 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,420 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,265 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 50% higher than in Winston-Salem, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Chapel Hill are 172% higher than in Winston-Salem, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Chapel Hill, where average income is 49% higher than in Winston-Salem — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- The cost of living for a single person in Chapel Hill is 7% lower than in Winston-Salem, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 9% lower in Chapel Hill than in Winston-Salem. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 38% lower than in Winston-Salem. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 7% higher than in Winston-Salem, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Winston-Salem, you’ll need about $2,790 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Chapel Hill
Before you move, check out how life in Chapel Hill measures up to Winston-Salem. 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.
| Winston-Salem | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 249,545 | 63,764 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 75-24 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 45" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 6" | 4" |
| Crime index | 32.67 | 26.42 |
Chapel Hill sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Chapel Hill has roughly 74% fewer people than Winston-Salem. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Chapel Hill voted Democratic, while Winston-Salem leaned Republican.
- You’ll find that both Chapel Hill and Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem and Chapel Hill—with winter lows around 28°F and 29°F.
- Both Winston-Salem and Chapel Hill see similar yearly rainfall—Winston-Salem averages 45 inches, while Chapel Hill gets 46 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Winston-Salem and Chapel Hill, averaging 6 and 4 inches each year.
- Chapel Hill posts a lower crime rate than Winston-Salem, with a crime index of 26.42 compared to Winston-Salem’s 32.67.
Things to do in Chapel Hill
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Chapel Hill has plenty to offer:
Museums in Chapel Hill
- The Carolina Basketball Museum
- Ackland Art Museum
- Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
- Kidzu Children's Museum
- FRANK Gallery
Parks in Chapel Hill
- North Carolina Botanical Garden
- Coker Arboretum
- Brumley Forest Nature Preserve
- Battle Park
- Morgan Creek Trail
Sports teams in Chapel Hill
- UNC Tar Heels (Various sports)
Universities in Chapel Hill
- Duke University North Carolina Central
- University University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Franklin University
- Durham Technical Community
- College Strayer
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill?
Shipping furniture from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill with a moving company typically costs between $548 and $2,377. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,165 to $3,276. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,537 and $4,104 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill?
If you’re planning a move from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $442 and $1,100. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $836 to $1,572. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,100 to $1,893.
How much is a moving truck from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill?
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 $80 and $133. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $97 and $162. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill, truck rentals usually range from $111 up to $171.
How far in advance should I book Winston-Salem-to-Chapel Hill movers?
To make your move from Winston-Salem to Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?
The cheapest time of year to move to Chapel Hill 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.
