($1,773) Movers From Seattle, WA to Chapel Hill, NC

What to know before moving from Seattle to Chapel Hill

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

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

• Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 1% lower than in Seattle, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chapel Hill.
  Home prices in Chapel Hill are 29.6% lower than in Seattle.
• Income in Chapel Hill is 15.7% lower than in Seattle, 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.
• The cost of living for a single person in Chapel Hill is 39.9% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 51.1% lower than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 33.33% lower than in Seattle.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the city’s sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 27.54% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in Chapel Hill are 4.50% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,803.21 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill's population is about 91% less than Seattle.
• Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
• Chapel Hill is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 26.42 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
• Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 73.58 vs Seattle's 49.23.
• Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chapel Hill without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chapel Hill

With your sights set on "Southern Part of Heaven", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chapel Hill.

Helpful moving resources