Factors influencing moving costs from Austin to Chapel Hill
What to know before moving from Austin to Chapel Hill
Moving from Austin 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 Austin than in Chapel Hill, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Austin compares to Chapel Hill so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Austin | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,765 | $1,950 |
Average home value | $508,841 | $592,460 |
Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $65,621 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $2,248 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $4,790 |
Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.2% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Chapel Hill are 11% higher than in Austin, 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 Austin.
Home prices in Chapel Hill are 16.4% higher than in Austin. - Income in Chapel Hill is 3.9% lower than in Austin, 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 32.8% lower than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Chapel Hill is 38.7% lower than in Austin.
- The unemployment rate in Chapel Hill is 8.57% lower than in Austin.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chapel Hill, since the cityโs sales taxes in Chapel Hill are 9.09% lower than in Austin.
- State income taxes in Chapel Hill are 4.50% higher than in Austin.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,016.14 in Chapel Hill to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Population | 63,764 | 974,447 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
Walkability score | 34 | 42 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 54 |
Crime Index | 26.42 | 42.91 |
Safety Index | 73.58 | 59.87 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chapel Hill's population is about 93% less than Austin.
- Chapel Hill's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Austin's lower score of 5.
- Chapel Hill is less walkable than Austin with a score of 34 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 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 Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100.
- Chapel Hill's crime rate is lower than Austin with a score of 26.42 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Chapel Hill is considered to be safer than Austin with a safety index of 73.58 vs Austin's 59.87.
- Air quality in Chapel Hill is moderate, and in Austin it's good.
Other things to consider for your Austin 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 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). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While North Carolina doesnโt 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
- Meadowmont
- The Oaks
- The Preserve at Jordan Lake
- Southern Village
- Dunhill
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 Austin to Chapel Hill?
The best time to move from Austin 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 Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Chapel Hill?
Because most people are moving from Austin 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 Austin to Chapel Hill take?
The 1,310-mile move from Austin, TX, to Chapel Hill, NC, takes three to eight days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chapel Hill.