Top-rated local movers that handle San Francisco to Chapel Hill moves
When planning a move from San Francisco to Chapel Hill, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 91 local movers in San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Chapel Hill.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Chapel Hill?
Movers in California charge $128 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 | $1,345 – $5,508 | $1,458 – $3,353 | $1,566 – $3,126 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,741 – $7,827 | $2,536 – $5,196 | $1,647 – $3,722 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,484 – $12,495 | $3,259 – $6,876 | $2,102 – $4,307 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Chapel Hill
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Chapel Hill, you can expect to spend between $1,345 and $5,508. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,741 to $7,827 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Francisco to Chapel Hill typically runs between $7,484 and $12,495.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Chapel Hill
When moving from San Francisco to Chapel Hill, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,458 and $3,353. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,536 to $5,196. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,259 up to $6,876. 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 California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck in San Francisco is usually your cheapest option to get to Chapel Hill. 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 $1,566 and $3,126. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,647 and $3,722. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,102 and $4,307.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Francisco to Chapel Hill
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,745, but larger homes can run up to $11,556.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Francisco.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,566–$3,811) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Chapel Hill
Many movers find Chapel Hill easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 41% less for singles and 45% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,248 for one person in Chapel Hill versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $4,790 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 40% lower in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 52% lower in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 52% less in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chapel Hill, where the cost of living for a single person is 41% less than in San Francisco.
- Moving to Chapel Hill could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 45% less than in San Francisco.
- Chapel Hill experiences an unemployment rate that is about 41% lower than that of San Francisco. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Chapel Hill than in San Francisco. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Chapel Hill can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 66% lower in North Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing San Francisco with Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Chapel Hill
| San Francisco | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 50 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 92% less than San Francisco.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 34 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 26.42 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 73.58 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Chapel Hill 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: 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). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina 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 Chapel Hill smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Now that you’ve chosen Southern Part of Heaven as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chapel Hill to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Chapel Hill 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, Chapel Hill offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Chapel Hill?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Francisco to Chapel Hill are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Francisco are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Chapel Hill?
Because spring and fall moves from San Francisco to Chapel Hill 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 San Francisco to Chapel Hill take?
A move of 2,824 miles from San Francisco, CA to Chapel Hill, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in San Francisco sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chapel Hill is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in San Francisco?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Francisco offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 72 movers in San Francisco have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 64 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 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.
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