($1,288) Movers From Chicago, IL to Chapel Hill, NC

What to know before moving from Chicago to Chapel Hill

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

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

• Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 5% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Chapel Hill are 100.3% higher than in Chicago.
• Income in Chapel Hill is 8.3% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less 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 38.4% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 48.3% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 64.44% lower than in Chicago.
• 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 Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Chapel Hill is paying less in state income taxes, which are 9.09% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,848.68 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill's population is about 98% less than Chicago.
• Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Chapel Hill is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 26.42 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 73.58 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago 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 “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). 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.

Helpful moving resources