Top-rated local movers that handle Chapel Hill to San Francisco moves
When planning a move from Chapel Hill to San Francisco, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Chapel Hill who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chapel Hill to San Francisco.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TROSA Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Truckin’ Movers Corporation: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2443
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Oliver & Finley, LLC , Two Men And A Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2894
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2461529
Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
State license #: C-726
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 675014
Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift , TROSA Moving , Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers , Trosa Furniture & Frameshop , TROSA Lawncare
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2262
Years in Business: 48
DOT #: 0233952
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Chapel Hill to San Francisco?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,291 – $5,498 | $1,416 – $3,318 | $1,459 – $2,828 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,855 – $7,218 | $2,411 – $5,300 | $1,713 – $3,545 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,043 – $11,530 | $3,362 – $7,159 | $2,039 – $4,220 |
Cost to hire movers from Chapel Hill to San Francisco
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chapel Hill to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,291 and $5,498. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,855 to $7,218 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chapel Hill to San Francisco typically runs between $7,043 and $11,530.
Cost of moving containers from Chapel Hill to San Francisco
When moving from Chapel Hill to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,416 and $3,318. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,411 to $5,300. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,362 up to $7,159. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chapel Hill to San Francisco
Renting a moving truck in Chapel Hill is usually your cheapest option to get to San Francisco. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,459 and $2,828. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,713 and $3,545. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,039 and $4,220.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Chapel Hill to San Francisco
The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,506, but larger homes can run up to $10,983.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chapel Hill.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,459–$3,772) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 68% higher for singles and 82% higher for families than Chapel Hill.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Chapel Hill versus $2,248 in Chapel Hill; families pay $8,717 compared with $4,790.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chapel Hill | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,433 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $592,460 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,621 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,248 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,790 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 67% more expensive than it is in Chapel Hill; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 109% higher in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 108% higher in San Francisco compared to Chapel Hill, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person is 68% more than in Chapel Hill. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Francisco, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 82% more than it is in Chapel Hill.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 69% higher compared to Chapel Hill, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 15% higher in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 196% higher in California compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chapel Hill with San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Chapel Hill | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.25 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.04 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $42.00 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. San Francisco
| Chapel Hill | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 63,764 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 34 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 99 |
| Crime index | 26.42 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 73.58 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 1169% greater than Chapel Hill.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Chapel Hill’s score of 6.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill’s 34 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Chapel Hill, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 61.41 compared to Chapel Hill’s 26.42. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 38.59 vs Chapel Hill’s 73.58.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Chapel Hill it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill to San Francisco move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Francisco smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Francisco
Now that you’ve chosen The Golden Gate City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
Things to do in San Francisco
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Francisco is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Francisco offers cultural landmarks like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chapel Hill to San Francisco?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chapel Hill to San Francisco are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chapel Hill are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to San Francisco?
Because spring and fall moves from Chapel Hill to San Francisco are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chapel Hill to San Francisco take?
A move of 2,823 miles from Chapel Hill, NC to San Francisco, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Chapel Hill sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Francisco is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Chapel Hill offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Chapel Hill have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Chapel Hill moving services
Popular North Carolina routes
- North Carolina to California car shippers
- North Carolina to California movers
- North Carolina to Florida movers
- North Carolina to Georgia movers
- North Carolina to Illinois movers
- North Carolina to Michigan movers
- North Carolina to New York movers
- North Carolina to Ohio movers
- North Carolina to Pennsylvania movers
- North Carolina to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!