Factors influencing moving costs from Tucson to Chapel Hilltoggle

The cost of Tucson movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Tucson to Chapel Hill can be as low as $1,475 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,388.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tucson, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,480 to $3,802. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tucson to Chapel Hill

Moving from Tucson to Chapel Hill means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tucson than in Chapel Hill, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tucson compares to Chapel Hill so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tucson Chapel Hill
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,950
Average home value $327,203 $592,460
Average income (per capita) $61,749 $65,621
Cost of living (single person) $2,390 $2,248
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,043 $4,790
Unemployment rate 7.4% 3.2%
Sales tax 8.7% 7.5%
State income tax 2.5% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 51% higher than in Tucson, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tucson.
    Home prices in Chapel Hill are 81.1% higher than in Tucson.
  • Income in Chapel Hill is 6.3% higher than in Tucson, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chapel Hill include University of North Carolina, Performance Bicycle, and Investors Title.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chapel Hill is 5.9% lower than in Tucson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 20.7% lower than in Tucson.
  • The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 56.76% lower than in Tucson.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 13.79% lower than in Tucson.
  • State income taxes in Chapel Hill are 80.00% higher than in Tucson.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,821.76 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tucson.

How life is different in Tucson vs. Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Tucson
Population 63,764 542,629
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 34 43
Bike friendliness score 50 66
Crime Index 26.42 54.43
Safety Index 73.58 45.57
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Chapel Hill's population is about 88% less than Tucson.
  • Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Tucson's lower score of 5.
  • Chapel Hill is less walkable than Tucson with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Tucson's 43 out of 100.
  • Chapel Hill has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tucson, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Tucson with a score of 26.42 compared to Tucson's 54.43. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43%.
  • Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Tucson with a safety index of 73.58 vs Tucson's 45.57.
  • Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Tucson it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tucson vs. Chapel Hill move

  • Weather: May, September and October are the most pleasant months for moving as these are the driest month in Chapel Hill in a yearl, while January and July are the months you need to watch out as there might be some weather-related delays.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chapel Hill

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Southern Part of Heaven", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chapel Hill.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Chapel Hill
  • Franklin Street Area
  • Carrboro
  • Midtown Chapel Hill
  • East 54

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Southern Village
  • Dunhill
  • Governor's Club
  • Westfall
  • Claremont/Claremont South

Things to do in Chapel Hill

After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, itโ€™s time to see what Chapel Hill is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chapel Hill include museums and art centers like the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Kidzu Children's Museum, and FRANK Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tucson to Chapel Hill?

The best time to move from Tucson to Chapel Hill is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tucson.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tucson to Chapel Hill?

Because most people are moving from Tucson to Chapel Hill in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Tucson to Chapel Hill take?

The 2,116-mile move from Tucson, AZ, to Chapel Hill, NC, takes six to 17 days. Some Tucson movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.

Helpful moving resources