Having opened its doors in 1795, UNC Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the United States, and has spent centuries building a reputation as a top-notch academic institution. Forming one of the corners of North Carolina’s famed Research Triangle (along with Duke and NC State), UNC’s reputation for research excellence is only matched by its legendary Tar Heels athletics program, particularly basketball. The university is also of the key cultural hubs for the region, with thriving communities of artists, musicians, and actors both on-campus and off. Chapel Hill is widely regarded as one of the best college towns in the country. The UNC campus sits right at the center of the fairly small city, making it easy to walk from a classroom building to one of the countless eateries along Franklin Street. The nightlife just off campus is legendary, with popular bars bearing cheeky names like The Library and He’s Not Here. The walkable environment leads many to seek apartments and houses near the west corner of campus at the intersection of Franklin and Columbia Streets, although folks seeking easier access to the School of Medicine or the UNC Hospital may want to seek living arrangements further south along Columbia.
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Chapel Hill, NC is $1,570 for a studio, $1,520 for one bedroom, $1,813 for two bedrooms, and $2,634 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Chapel Hill has decreased by -2.4% in the past year.
Studio
592 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,570/month
Average Rent
1 BR
741 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,520/month
Average Rent
2 BR
1,068 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,813/month
Average Rent
3 BR
1,431 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$2,634/month
Average Rent
How to Find Off-Campus Housing Near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Explore Chapel Hill, NC’s off-campus housing with our detailed guide. Uncover top tips and resources on Apartments.com.
How to Soundproof Your Apartment
Noisy neighbors don’t have to win. These soundproofing tips work room by room.
How to Find Your Perfect Apartment Online
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Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC (University) is for everyday living.
Moderately Walkable
Walkability
Good Public Transit
Transit
Moderately Drivable
Drivability
Very Bikeable
Bikeability
Essentials are more spread out in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC (University), so everyday errands require more planning.
Supermarket Within a 30 Minute Walk
Groceries
Fair Restaurant Variety Nearby
Restaurants
Good Café Variety Nearby
Cafes
Fair Variety of Shops Nearby
Shopping
Get a sense of what it’s like to live in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC (University) from everyday activity to noise and nightlife.
Vibrant Atmosphere at Times
Vibrancy
Limited Nightlife Variety Nearby
Nightlife
Somewhat Noisy
Quiet Score
Morris Grove Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
421 Students
Public
Grades K-5
421 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
616 Students
Public
Grades K-5
433 Students
Public
Grades K-5
433 Students
R D And Euzelle Smith Middle School
Public
Grades 6-8
768 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
752 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
752 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
609 Students
Public
Grades K-12
508 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,597 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,597 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,447 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,447 Students
Public
Grades K-12
508 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.
