Chapel Hill, NC to Austin, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chapel Hill to Austin typically costs $2,800–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,309 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chapel Hill to Austin
Moving from Chapel Hill, NC to Austin, TX typically costs $2,800–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,309-mile move from Chapel Hill to Austin, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 23, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $6,896 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,458 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,430 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Mar 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Mar 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 16, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chapel Hill to Austin move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Chapel Hill.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $900 to $2,500, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Austin, TX to Chapel Hill, NC guide.
Best Chapel Hill to Austin movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chapel Hill to Austin
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Chapel Hill to Austin much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NC→TX movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 115 North Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- 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%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Austin
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Austin runs about 49% higher for singles and 63% higher for families than Chapel Hill.
Singles spend around $3,345 in Austin versus $2,248 in Chapel Hill; families pay $7,815 compared with $4,790.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chapel Hill | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,433 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $592,460 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,621 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,248 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,790 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Chapel Hill to Austin, expect to find rent about 9% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 14% more affordable in Austin compared to Chapel Hill.
- In terms of average income, Austin and Chapel Hill are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Austin, as living costs for a single person are 49% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Austin, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Austin is 63% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- Austin shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Chapel Hill by around 9%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Austin are 10% more than in Chapel Hill, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chapel Hill and Austin:
| Living Expense | Chapel Hill | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.25 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.53 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.04 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $42.00 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chapel Hill than in Austin, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Austin.
- Eggs cost more in Chapel Hill than in Austin.
- Bread is more expensive in Chapel Hill than in Austin.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chapel Hill than in Austin.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chapel Hill than in Austin.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chapel Hill than in Austin.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Austin
| Chapel Hill | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 63,764 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 34 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 54 |
| Crime index | 26.42 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 73.58 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Austin's population is about 1428% greater than Chapel Hill.
- Austin's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chapel Hill's score of 6.
- Austin is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill's 34 out of 100.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin 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 it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Austin's crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 42.91 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
- Austin is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 59.87 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Chapel Hill it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill to Austin move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Austin
Planning your move to ATX? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Austin features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chapel Hill to Austin?
Planning your move from Chapel Hill to Austin? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Chapel Hill.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Chapel Hill to Austin 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 Chapel Hill to Austin take?
The 1,309-mile journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Austin, TX, typically takes three to eight 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 Austin.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Chapel Hill?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Chapel Hill, 19 movers can manage piano relocations. 7 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 77 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
