Factors influencing moving costs from Lancaster to Charlotte
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Charlotte
Moving from Lancaster to Charlotte comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charlotte is generally more expensive than Lancaster, itโs 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:
Lancaster | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,600 | $1,790 |
Average home value | $473,053 | $391,658 |
Average income (per capita) | $74,723 | $64,814 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $3,158 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $8,325 |
Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Charlotte are 31% lower than in Lancaster, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Charlotte.
Home prices in Charlotte are 17.2% lower than in Lancaster. - Income in Charlotte is 13.3% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charlotte include Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Bank of America.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charlotte, since the cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 24.3% higher than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Charlotte, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 49.7% higher than in Lancaster.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 78.85% lower than in Lancaster.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charlotte are 29.27% lower than in Lancaster.
- One perk of moving to Charlotte is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Lancaster.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,729.92 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Charlotte
Charlotte | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Population | 874,579 | 173,516 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 0 |
Walkability score | 26 | 29 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 40 |
Crime Index | 46.52 | 45.5 |
Safety Index | 53.48 | 54.5 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charlotte's population is about 404% greater than Lancaster.
- Charlotte's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lancaster's lower score of 0.
- Charlotte and Lancaster are similarily walkable.
- Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100.
- Charlotte and Lancaster have a similar crime rate.
- Charlotte and Lancaster are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Lancaster it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Charlotte move
- Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
- 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: 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: North 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 Charlotte. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Charlotte
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charlotte.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Marvin
- Hembstead
- Tega Cay
Things to do in Charlotte
Once youโre settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Charlotte has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Charlotte features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier 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 Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Charlotte?
The best time to move from Lancaster to Charlotte is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lancaster.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Charlotte?
Because most people are moving from Lancaster to Charlotte 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 Lancaster to Charlotte take?
The 2,403-mile move from Lancaster, CA, to Charlotte, NC, takes seven to 18 days. Some Lancaster movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charlotte.