Factors influencing moving costs from Albany to Chapel Hill
What to know before moving from Albany to Chapel Hill
Moving from Albany to Chapel Hill comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Chapel Hill is generally more expensive than Albany, itโs 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:
Albany | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,950 |
Average home value | $281,584 | $592,460 |
Average income (per capita) | $66,546 | $65,621 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,801 | $2,248 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,205 | $4,790 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 3.2% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 10.9% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 35% higher than in Albany, 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 Albany.
Home prices in Chapel Hill are 110.4% higher than in Albany. - Income in Chapel Hill is 1.4% lower than in Albany, 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.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chapel Hill, since the cost of living for a single person in Chapel Hill is 24.8% higher than in Albany. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Chapel Hill, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 13.9% higher than in Albany.
- The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 54.93% lower than in Albany.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 6.25% lower than in Albany.
- One perk of moving to Chapel Hill is paying less in state income taxes, which are 58.72% lower than in Albany.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,744.59 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.
How life is different in Albany vs. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill | Albany | |
---|---|---|
Population | 63,764 | 99,224 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 34 | 65 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 55 |
Crime Index | 26.42 | 10.0 |
Safety Index | 73.58 | 49.65 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chapel Hill's population is about 36% less than Albany.
- Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Albany's higher score of 8.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Albany with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Albany's 65 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 Albany, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
- Chapel Hill's crime rate is higher than Albany with a score of 26.42 compared to Albany's 10.0. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Albany with a safety index of 73.58 vs Albany's 49.65.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Albany it's good.
Other things to consider for your Albany 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: 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 regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in North Carolina, though it\โs 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 toChapel Hill Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Now that youโve chosen "Southern Part of Heaven" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chapel Hill to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Chapel Hill
- Franklin Street Area
- Carrboro
- Midtown Chapel Hill
- East 54
Best neighborhoods for families
- Winmore
- Southern Village
- Dunhill
- Governor's Club
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chapel Hill has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chapel Hill is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 Albany to Chapel Hill?
The best time to move from Albany 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 Albany.
When is the cheapest time to move from Albany to Chapel Hill?
Because most people are moving from Albany 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 Albany to Chapel Hill take?
The 639-mile move from Albany, NY, to Chapel Hill, NC, takes one to six days. Some Albany movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.