Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Chapel Hilltoggle

The cost of Madison movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Madison to Chapel Hill can be as low as $1,395 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,194.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $751 to $1,863. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Madison to Chapel Hill

Moving from Madison to Chapel Hill means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Madison than in Chapel Hill, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Madison Chapel Hill
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,950
Average home value $367,934 $592,460
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $65,621
Cost of living (single person) $2,292 $2,248
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,457 $4,790
Unemployment rate 3.3% 3.2%
Sales tax 5.5% 7.5%
State income tax 7.65% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 22% higher than in Madison, 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 Madison.
    Home prices in Chapel Hill are 61.0% higher than in Madison.
  • Income in Chapel Hill is 4.3% higher than in Madison, so you could earn more 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 1.9% lower than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 12.2% lower than in Madison.
  • The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 3.03% lower than in Madison.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 36.36% higher than in Madison.
  • One perk of moving to Chapel Hill is paying less in state income taxes, which are 41.18% lower than in Madison.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,942.41 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How life is different in Madison vs. Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill Madison
Population 63,764 269,840
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 34 50
Bike friendliness score 50 66
Crime Index 26.42 34.57
Safety Index 73.58 65.43
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Chapel Hill's population is about 76% less than Madison.
  • Chapel Hill's public transportation has a similar score to Madison.
  • Chapel Hill is less walkable than Madison with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 26.42 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
  • Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Madison with a safety index of 73.58 vs Madison's 65.43.
  • Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Madison it's good.

Other things to consider for your Madison 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While North Carolina doesnโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Chapel Hill
  • Franklin Street Area
  • Carrboro
  • Midtown Chapel Hill
  • East 54

Best neighborhoods for families

  • The Oaks
  • The Preserve at Jordan Lake
  • Governor's Club
  • Westfall
  • Claremont/Claremont South

Things to do in Chapel Hill

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Chapel Hill has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Chapel Hill features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Carolina Basketball Museum, Ackland Art Museum, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Kidzu Children's Museum, and FRANK Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s North Carolina Botanical Garden, Coker Arboretum, Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, and Battle Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Madison to Chapel Hill?

The best time to move from Madison 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 Madison.

When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Chapel Hill?

Because most people are moving from Madison 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 Madison to Chapel Hill take?

The 925-mile move from Madison, WI, to Chapel Hill, NC, takes two to seven days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.

Helpful moving resources