Highly rated local moving companies for Madison to Chapel Hill moves
Organizing a move from Madison to Chapel Hill can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating five local movers in Madison known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Madison to Chapel Hill.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Chapel Hill?
On average, moving companies in Wisconsin charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,242 – $4,812 | $785 – $2,027 | $624 – $1,145 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,421 – $5,685 | $1,410 – $2,965 | $633 – $1,362 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,268 – $7,588 | $2,033 – $3,665 | $870 – $1,621 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Chapel Hill
When planning a move to Chapel Hill from Madison, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,242 and $4,812. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,421 and $5,685 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,268 to $7,588.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Chapel Hill
When you’re heading from Madison to Chapel Hill, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $785 and $2,027. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,410 and $2,965. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,033 to $3,665. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Wisconsin easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Chapel Hill
A moving rental truck from Madison to Chapel Hill is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $624 to $1,145. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $633 to $1,362, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Madison to Chapel Hill costs around $870 to $1,621.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Chapel Hill
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Chapel Hill may only cost $2,159, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,802.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Madison.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($624–$1,547), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Madison to Chapel Hill
Many movers find Chapel Hill easier on the wallet than Madison – roughly 2% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,248 for one person in Chapel Hill versus $2,292 in Madison. For a family of four, it’s $4,790 compared with $5,457.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Madison | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 22% more expensive in Chapel Hill than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 61% steeper in Chapel Hill compared to Madison.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Chapel Hill and Madison are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Chapel Hill and Madison, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- A move to Chapel Hill can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower compared to Madison.
- Chapel Hill and Madison have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes in Chapel Hill surpass those in Madison by 36%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 41% less in North Carolina compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | Madison | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Chapel Hill.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Chapel Hill.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Chapel Hill.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Madison vs. Chapel Hill
| Madison | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 50 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 76% less than Madison.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Madison, making them very similar.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Madison with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Chapel Hill has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 26.42 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Madison with a safety index of 73.58 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Chapel Hill move
- HOA rules: Costs across Madison and Chapel Hill are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chapel Hill. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
With your sights set on Southern Part of Heaven, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chapel Hill.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chapel Hill. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chapel Hill is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Chapel Hill?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Chapel Hill. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Chapel Hill?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Chapel Hill? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Madison to Chapel Hill take?
The 930-mile move from Madison, WI, to Chapel Hill, , takes two to seven days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Madison?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Madison provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
Popular Wisconsin routes
- Wisconsin to North Carolina car shippers
- Wisconsin to California movers
- Wisconsin to Florida movers
- Wisconsin to Georgia movers
- Wisconsin to Illinois movers
- Wisconsin to Michigan movers
- Wisconsin to New York movers
- Wisconsin to North Carolina movers
- Wisconsin to Ohio movers
- Wisconsin to Pennsylvania movers
- Wisconsin 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!