($1,420) Movers From Grand Rapids, MI to Chapel Hill, NC

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Chapel Hill

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

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

• Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 18% higher than in Grand Rapids, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Grand Rapids.
  Home prices in Chapel Hill are 80.5% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• Income in Chapel Hill is 3.7% higher than in Grand Rapids, 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 57.8% lower than in Grand Rapids. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 33.1% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 25.58% lower than in Grand Rapids.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the city’s sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 25.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• State income taxes in Chapel Hill are 5.88% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,264.58 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill's population is about 68% less than Grand Rapids.
• Chapel Hill's public transportation has a similar score to Grand Rapids.
• Chapel Hill is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
• Both Chapel Hill and Grand Rapids have the same bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, meaning Chapel Hill is about as safe for cyclists as Grand Rapids. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Grand Rapids with a score of 26.42 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Grand Rapids with a safety index of 73.58 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
• Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: North Carolina doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chapel Hill. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Chapel Hill

Ready to relocate to "Southern Part of Heaven"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chapel Hill.

Helpful moving resources