($1,536) Movers From Tempe, AZ to Charleston, SC

What to know before moving from Tempe to Charleston

Moving from Tempe to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tempe than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tempe compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Charleston are 36% higher than in Tempe, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Tempe.
  Home prices in Charleston are 18.6% higher than in Tempe.
• Income in Charleston is 2.8% lower than in Tempe, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
• The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 2.4% lower than in Tempe. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 15.9% higher than in Tempe.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 25.93% lower than in Tempe.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city’s sales taxes in Charleston are 11.11% higher than in Tempe.
• State income taxes in Charleston are 180.00% higher than in Tempe.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,926.56 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tempe.

How life is different in Tempe vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 17% less than Tempe.
• Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Tempe's higher score of 8.
• Charleston is less walkable than Tempe with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
• Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tempe, which has a score of 75 out of 100.
• Charleston and Tempe have a similar crime rate.
• Charleston and Tempe are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Tempe it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tempe vs. Charleston move

• Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Charleston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Holy City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources