Factors that influence moving costs from Chapel Hill to Houstontoggle

The cost of Chapel Hill movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chapel Hill to Houston might cost as little as $1,431, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,029.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chapel Hill, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $886 to $2,212. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Houston

Moving from Chapel Hill to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Houston is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, itโ€™s 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:

Chapel Hill Houston
Average rent cost $1,950 $1,549
Average home value $592,460 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $65,621 $69,833
Cost of living (single person) $2,248 $2,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,790 $7,157
Unemployment rate 3.2% 4.1%
Sales tax 7.5% 8.25%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Houston are 21% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
    Home prices in Houston are 55.4% lower than in Chapel Hill.
  • Income in Houston is 6.4% higher than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person in Houston is 23.2% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 49.4% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • The unemployment rate in Houston is 28.13% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Houston are 10.00% higher than in Chapel Hill.
  • One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chapel Hill.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,696.62 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Houston

Houston Chapel Hill
Population 2,301,572 63,764
AllTransit Transportation Performance 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
  • Houston's population is about 3,510% greater than Chapel Hill.
  • Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chapel Hill's higher score of 6.
  • Houston is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill's 34 out of 100.
  • Both Houston and Chapel Hill have the same bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, meaning Houston is about as safe for cyclists as Chapel Hill. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Houston's crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 63.5 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
  • Houston is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 36.5 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
  • Air quality in Houston is good, and in Chapel Hill it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill vs. Houston move

  • Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
  • 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 regulationsโ€”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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Texas, though it\โ€™s 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 toHouston 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Houston

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "HOU" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Greenway/Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clear Lake City
  • Friendswood
  • Kingwood
  • Memorial
  • Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

After settling into your new Texas home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Houston has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโ€™s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial 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 Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chapel Hill to Houston. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chapel Hill.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chapel Hill to Houston, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Chapel Hill to Houston take?

The 1,171-mile journey from Chapel Hill, NC to Houston, TX typically takes two 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 Houston.

Helpful moving resources