Quick answer: For a 2,764-mile move from Stockton to Chapel Hill, expect to spend around $2,090–$9,903 and seven to 21 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chapel Hill to Stockton guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Stockton to Chapel Hill

Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Stockton 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
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NC movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The best local movers servicing Stockton to Chapel Hill moves

Finding a trusted local moving company in Stockton that offers long-distance services to Chapel Hill can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.

Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Stockton who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.

Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Stockton to Chapel Hill.

  1. MidCal Moving and Storage Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  3. Pete's Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  5. Casey Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/MidCalMoving/, https://x.com/midcalmoving
85% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
MidCal Moving and Storage Company earns high marks for their professional and courteous teams. Among 107 reviews, 85% reflect strong satisfaction thanks to careful handling, efficient service, prompt communication, and reliable arrival times. Movers go out of their way to ensure items arrive safely and on time, with multiple users mentioning damage-free deliveries, organized packing, and transparent processes—a rarity in the industry.
Staff stand out for their politeness, skill, and ability to ease moving stress. On the downside, a small number of critical reviews mention significant issues with property damage, missing items, and difficult communication during claims. Some customers reported that lost or broken valuables were inadequately compensated, and occasionally felt ignored after payment. Compared to many competitors, MidCal is recognized for excellent service and reliability, though customers should review insurance options to minimize risk during complicated jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (855) 780-0707

Company Info

State license #: 0190750

Years in Business: 169

DOT #: 2778166

Alternate Names: Bekins, D & S Simoni Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Moving-Company-122466311129611/, https://twitter.com/gracemovingco?lang=da
92% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company stands out for its fast, friendly, and highly professional crews, making challenging moves less stressful for hundreds of customers. Among 467 reviews, 91.6% praised the team's efficiency, careful handling, and clear communication. Movers consistently arrive on time, protect customer belongings, and deliver quick service without hidden fees, with many feedback reports highlighting friendly, polite, and respectful staff.
Customers often find costs fair or lower than expected, which is uncommon in this industry. Negative input, representing only 7% of reviews, typically notes property damage, missing items, or final costs above estimates. Some reported unresponsiveness during claims or concerns about lost belongings. Neutral feedback usually involves minor quirks like inconsistency among moving team members or delays in follow-up but still describes a generally satisfactory experience. Compared to typical movers, Grace Moving receives a higher rate of glowing endorsements and personal recommendations, solidifying its reputation for reliability and care. Most customers would choose them again.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 821-1520

Company Info

State license #: 0189642

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2806730


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/PetesMovingServices/, https://twitter.com/Petes_Moving_
86% of all reviews were positive
13% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Pete's Moving Services is celebrated by most customers for professional, courteous staff, efficient processes, and careful handling of items. 86% of the 471 customer reviews rated the experience as positive. Clients describe the moving teams as prompt, hardworking, communicative, and friendly—qualities that many say set Pete’s apart from competitors. The moving crews consistently receive praise for caring for belongings and making stressful moves much easier.
On the downside, 13% of feedback cited damaged items, delays in arrival, and issues with packing quality. Some clients experienced broken furniture or items lost due to inadequate packing or rushed jobs. While the majority reported transparent pricing and smooth scheduling, a few were dissatisfied with handling of claims or timely delivery. Compared with other companies, Pete’s stands out for reliability and personable service, but occasional lapses in careful packing or scheduling can impact the experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 442-4949

Company Info

State license #: 0191440

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3314910

Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC, Pete's Moving Services LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/allstarmoverscal/, https://twitter.com/AllStarCal1
96% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Raving customers set All Star Movers & Storage apart from the crowd. Out of 421 reviews, 95.7% praised the company for efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, rapid moves, and strong communication. Customers consistently mention that crews show up on time, finish faster than expected, and handle belongings with care.
Staff are courteous, responsive, and easy to work with. A small portion (3.8%) of feedback points to disappointment with estimate accuracy, damage to items, or surprise extra charges. Few reviewers noted moving costs exceeded quotes or felt work was rushed, sometimes resulting in minor damage. Only two customers (0.5%) shared neutral experiences, often related to pricing clarity. Compared to many movers in the region, All Star stands out for hassle-free service, transparent rates, and reliable teams. While a handful of customers experienced issues, the vast majority were relieved by stress-free moves and recommend this company as a top choice.
Show more
Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

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
https://www.facebook.com/caseymoving/, https://twitter.com/caseymoving?lang=en
75% of all reviews were positive
25% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving customers trust Casey Moving Systems for their organized team, respectful movers, and great communication throughout the process. The company earns high marks for professional staff, careful packing, and efficiency—traits not always common among moving companies. Many highlighted on-time moves and items arriving undamaged.
Casey's quick scheduling and fair, clear pricing set it apart from competitors known for hidden fees. On the negative side, some customers reported damaged or lost items, delays in delivery, and poor complaint resolution, especially when insurance or claims were involved. Nevertheless, most feedback praised their consistent reliability and stress-free service. Out of sixty-three reviews analyzed, nearly three-quarters were positive, showing a strong record compared to many others in the industry.
Show more
Get a Quote (209) 531-9010

Company Info

State license #: 0115405

Years in Business: 23

DOT #: 153088

Alternate Names: Casey Records Management, Dawson Van & Storage, United Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill?

Stockton movers charge $100 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 $1,587 - $6,555 $1,823 - $4,192 $1,911 - $3,631
2 - 3 bedrooms $5,128 - $9,903 $3,109 - $6,363 $2,090 - $4,543
4+ bedrooms $9,189 - $15,801 $4,375 - $8,677 $2,669 - $5,197
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,764 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

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 $1,587 and $6,555. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $5,128 and $9,903 for the same journey (CA to NC). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $9,189 to $15,801.

Cost of moving containers from California to North Carolina

When you're heading from California to North Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,823 and $4,192. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,109 and $6,363. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,375 to $8,677. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to North Carolina

A moving rental truck 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 $1,911 to $3,631. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $2,090 to $4,543, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to North Carolina costs around $2,669 to $5,197.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Key factors that impact the cost of your Stockton to Chapel Hill movetoggle

The cost of Stockton 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 Stockton to Chapel Hill can be as low as $1,587 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,770.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Stockton 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 $1,911 to $4,988. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Stockton to Chapel Hill

Moving from Stockton 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 Stockton than in Chapel Hill, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Stockton Chapel Hill
Average rent cost $1,775 $1,950
Average home value $437,561 $592,460
Average income (per capita) $63,915 $65,621
Cost of living (single person) $3,767 $2,248
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,810 $4,790
Unemployment rate 10.3% 3.2%
Sales tax 9.0% 7.5%
State income tax 13.3% 4.5%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Chapel Hill, since prices are typically 10% higher than in Stockton.
  • The home prices in Chapel Hill are 35.4% higher than in Stockton, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Chapel Hill, where incomes are, on average, 2.7% higher than in Stockton. Major employers in Chapel Hill include University of North Carolina, Performance Bicycle, and Investors Title.
  • 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 40.3% lower than in Stockton.
  • 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 29.7% less than what it costs in Stockton.
  • The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 68.93% lower than in Stockton.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the city's sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 16.67% lower than in Stockton.
  • One perk of moving to Chapel Hill is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Stockton.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,790.28 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Stockton.

How life is different in Stockton vs. Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Stockton
Population 63,764 320,804
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 34 44
Bike friendliness score 50 52
Crime Index 26.42 75.2
Safety Index 73.58 24.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Chapel Hill might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 80% less than Stockton.
  • Chapel Hill offers better access to buses and trains than Stockton, based on public transportation ratings. Chapel Hill has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Stockton. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Chapel Hill neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Stockton. Based on its score of 34 out of 100, Chapel Hill isn't as walkable as Stockton, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • Chapel Hill and Stockton are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 50 and 52 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • Chapel Hill has a lower crime rate than Stockton based on scores of 26.42 and Stockton's 75.2, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Chapel Hill than in Stockton, based on Chapel Hill's safety index of 73.58 versus 24.8 for Stockton. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Chapel Hill isn't as good as it is in Stockton, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Chapel Hill has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Stockton is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Stockton 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chapel Hill without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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

  • The Oaks
  • Southern Village
  • Briar Chapel
  • Westfall
  • Claremont/Claremont South

Things to do in Chapel Hill

Now that you've made the move to North Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Chapel Hill From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chapel Hill, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • 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 Stockton to Chapel Hill?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Stockton.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Stockton to Chapel Hill moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

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

Covering 2,764 miles, the move from Stockton, CA to Chapel Hill, NC typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Stockton movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chapel Hill can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources