Quick answer: A typical 2,801-mile move from Oakland to Chapel Hill runs $2,209–$9,802 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chapel Hill to Oakland guide.
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Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Best Professional Movers from Oakland to Chapel Hill
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Oakland to Chapel Hill isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NC move
The top local movers servicing Oakland to Chapel Hill moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Oakland that also handles long-distance moves to Chapel Hill. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Oakland who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Oakland to Chapel Hill.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- 680 Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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 #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192456
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 3071646
Alternate Names: West Coast Movers, West Coast Moving Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Chapel Hill?
Oakland movers charge $147 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 | $1,719 - $7,250 | $1,862 - $4,507 | $1,923 - $3,842 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,932 - $9,802 | $3,113 - $6,507 | $2,209 - $4,395 |
4+ bedrooms | $9,655 - $15,187 | $4,209 - $8,519 | $2,765 - $5,339 |
Cost to hire movers from California to North Carolina
Planning a move from California to North Carolina? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,719 and $7,250. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,932 and $9,802 for the same journey (CA to NC). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $9,655 to $15,187.
Cost of moving containers from California to North Carolina
Moving from California to North Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,862 and $4,507. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,113 to $6,507. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,209 up to $8,519. 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 California to North Carolina
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $1,923 and $3,842. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,209 and $4,395. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,765 and $5,339.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Oakland to Chapel Hill move
What to know before moving from Oakland to Chapel Hill
Moving from Oakland to Chapel Hill means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oakland than in Chapel Hill, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Oakland compares to Chapel Hill so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Oakland | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,200 | $1,950 |
Average home value | $736,156 | $592,460 |
Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $65,621 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $2,248 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $4,790 |
Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 3.2% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 11% lower than in Oakland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chapel Hill.
Home prices in Chapel Hill are 19.5% lower than in Oakland. - Income in Chapel Hill is 30.5% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chapel Hill — including University of North Carolina, Performance Bicycle, and Investors Title — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chapel Hill. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 28.5% lower than in Oakland.
- A move to Chapel Hill can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 44.2% less than what it costs in Oakland.
- The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 28.89% lower than in Oakland.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the city's sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 26.83% lower than in Oakland.
- One perk of moving to Chapel Hill is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Oakland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,143.67 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 63,764 | 440,646 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 34 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 65 |
Crime Index | 26.42 | 68.62 |
Safety Index | 73.58 | 31.38 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chapel Hill's population is about 86% less than Oakland.
- Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Oakland's higher score of 8.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 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 Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100.
- Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 26.42 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 73.58 vs Oakland's 31.38.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Oakland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Oakland 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: You can verify a North Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chapel Hill Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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
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
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor's Club
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
After settling into your new North Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chapel Hill has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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, Kidzu Children's Museum, and FRANK Gallery.
- 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: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oakland to Chapel Hill?
The best time to move from Oakland 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 Oakland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Chapel Hill?
With many people choosing to move from Oakland to Chapel Hill in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Oakland to Chapel Hill take?
The 2,801-mile move from Oakland, CA, to Chapel Hill, NC, takes seven to 21 days. Some Oakland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.