Top-rated local movers that handle Houston to Chapel Hill moves
When planning a move from Houston to Chapel Hill, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 49 local movers in Houston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Houston to Chapel Hill.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Chapel Hill?
Movers in Texas charge $131 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,201 – $4,798 | $908 – $2,198 | $757 – $1,358 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,729 – $6,059 | $1,626 – $2,976 | $787 – $1,730 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,284 – $8,466 | $2,073 – $4,350 | $1,027 – $1,988 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Chapel Hill
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Chapel Hill, you can expect to spend between $1,201 and $4,798. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,729 to $6,059 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Houston to Chapel Hill typically runs between $4,284 and $8,466.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Chapel Hill
When moving from Houston to Chapel Hill, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $908 and $2,198. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,626 to $2,976. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,073 up to $4,350. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Chapel Hill
Renting a moving truck in Houston is usually your cheapest option to get to Chapel Hill. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $757 and $1,358. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $787 and $1,730. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,027 and $1,988.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Houston to Chapel Hill
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,276, but larger homes can run up to $7,592.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Houston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($757–$1,837) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Houston to Chapel Hill
Many movers find Chapel Hill easier on the wallet than Houston – roughly 19% less for singles and 33% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,248 for one person in Chapel Hill versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it’s $4,790 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,325 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,433 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $592,460 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $65,621 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,248 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $4,790 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Chapel Hill, note that rent can be roughly 26% more expensive than it is in Houston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 124% higher in Chapel Hill than in Houston.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 6% less in Chapel Hill than in Houston.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chapel Hill, where the cost of living for a single person is 19% less than in Houston.
- Moving to Chapel Hill could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 33% less than in Houston.
- Chapel Hill experiences an unemployment rate that is about 22% lower than that of Houston. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Chapel Hill than in Houston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Chapel Hill can reduce your overall living expenses.
- North Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Houston with Chapel Hill:
| Living Expense | Houston | Chapel Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $55.25 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Chapel Hill.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Chapel Hill.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Chapel Hill.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Chapel Hill.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Chapel Hill.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Houston vs. Chapel Hill
| Houston | Chapel Hill | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 63,764 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 34 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 50 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 26.42 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 73.58 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Chapel Hill’s population is about 97% less than Houston.
- Chapel Hill’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Houston with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- Both Chapel Hill and Houston have similar bike-friendliness scores (49 vs 50), meaning Chapel Hill is about as safe for cyclists as Houston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Chapel Hill’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 26.42 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 73.58 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is Moderate, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Chapel Hill move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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 “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 verify a North Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chapel Hill smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chapel Hill
Now that you’ve 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
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- Winmore
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Briar Chapel
- Dunhill
- Governor’s Club
- Westfall
- Claremont/Claremont South
Things to do in Chapel Hill
After getting comfortable in your new North Carolina home, it’s time to see what Chapel Hill is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chapel Hill offers cultural landmarks like the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and Kidzu Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an UNC Tar Heels (Various sports) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Chapel Hill?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Chapel Hill are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Chapel Hill?
Because spring and fall moves from Houston to Chapel Hill are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Houston to Chapel Hill take?
A move of 1,171 miles from Houston, TX to Chapel Hill, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Houston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chapel Hill is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Houston?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Houston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 27 movers in Houston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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