Factors influencing moving costs from Indianapolis to Chapel Hill
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Chapel Hill
Moving from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis than in Chapel Hill, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Indianapolis compares to Chapel Hill so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Indianapolis | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,399 | $1,950 |
Average home value | $220,467 | $592,460 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $65,621 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,804 | $2,248 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,667 | $4,790 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.2% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 3.15% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 39% higher than in Indianapolis, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
Home prices in Chapel Hill are 168.7% higher than in Indianapolis. - Income in Chapel Hill is 11.0% higher than in Indianapolis, 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 19.8% lower than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 28.2% lower than in Indianapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 42.86% lower than in Indianapolis.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 7.14% higher than in Indianapolis.
- State income taxes in Chapel Hill are 42.86% higher than in Indianapolis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,405.14 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill | Indianapolis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 63,764 | 887,642 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
Walkability score | 34 | 31 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 43 |
Crime Index | 26.42 | 60.71 |
Safety Index | 73.58 | 39.29 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chapel Hill's population is about 93% less than Indianapolis.
- Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Indianapolis's lower score of 5.
- Chapel Hill and Indianapolis are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Chapel Hill is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 26.42 compared to Indianapolis's 60.71. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 73.58 vs Indianapolis's 39.29.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Indianapolis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis 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 โC Numberโ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโs 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
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Dunhill
- Governor's Club
Things to do in Chapel Hill
Once youโre settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Chapel Hill has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Chapel Hill features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Kidzu Children's Museum, and FRANK Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Chapel Hill?
The best time to move from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Chapel Hill?
Because most people are moving from Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Chapel Hill take?
The 599-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Chapel Hill, NC, takes one to six days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.