Factors that influence moving costs from Chapel Hill to Long Beachtoggle

The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chapel Hill to Long Beach might cost as little as $1,392, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,020.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chapel Hill, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,688 to $4,484. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Long Beach

Moving from Chapel Hill to Long Beach comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Long Beach is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Chapel Hill Long Beach
Average rent cost $1,950 $2,075
Average home value $592,460 $835,800
Average income (per capita) $65,621 $78,995
Cost of living (single person) $2,248 $2,681
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,790 $6,051
Unemployment rate 3.2% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Long Beach are 6% higher than in Chapel Hill, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Chapel Hill.
    Home prices in Long Beach are 41.1% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • Income in Long Beach is 20.4% higher than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Long Beach include UTi Worldwide, Molina Healthcare, and Promises Behavioral Health.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Long Beach, since the cost of living for a single person in Long Beach is 19.3% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Long Beach, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Long Beach is 26.3% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • The unemployment rate in Long Beach is 62.50% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Long Beach, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Long Beach are 36.67% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • State income taxes in Long Beach are 195.56% higher than in Chapel Hill.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,577.85 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Long Beach

Long Beach Chapel Hill
Population 451,307 63,764
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 73 34
Bike friendliness score 70 50
Crime Index 58.58 26.42
Safety Index 41.42 73.58
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Long Beach's population is about 608% greater than Chapel Hill.
  • Long Beach's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chapel Hill's lower score of 6.
  • Long Beach is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 73 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill's 34 out of 100.
  • With a score of 70 out of 100, Long Beach is more bike-friendly than Chapel Hill, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Long Beach's crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 58.58 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Long Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.58% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
  • Long Beach is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 41.42 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
  • Air quality in Long Beach is good, and in Chapel Hill it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill vs. Long Beach move

  • Weather: Long Beach has hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall.
  • 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 regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™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 toLong Beach Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Long Beach

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Aquatic Capital of America" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Belmont Shore
  • Recreation Park
  • Carroll Park
  • Alamitos Beach
  • Bluff Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bixby Village
  • Los Altos
  • Wrigley Heights
  • Park Estates
  • Alamitos Heights

Things to do in Long Beach

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Long Beach has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Long Beach is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Queen Mary, Museum of Latin American Art, Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach Museum of Art, and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Bluff Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, Bixby Park, and El Dorado Park West โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chapel Hill to Long Beach?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chapel Hill to Long Beach. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chapel Hill.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Long Beach?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chapel Hill to Long Beach, 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 Chapel Hill to Long Beach take?

The 2,528-mile journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Long Beach, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Chapel Hill offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Long Beach.

Helpful moving resources