Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Charlotte
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Charlotte
Moving from Baltimore to Charlotte comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charlotte is generally more expensive than Baltimore, 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:
Baltimore | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,790 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $391,658 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $64,814 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $3,158 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $8,325 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Charlotte are 12% higher than in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore.
Home prices in Charlotte are 116.6% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Charlotte is 11.1% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more 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 42.1% higher than in Baltimore. 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 63.6% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 58.23% lower than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charlotte are 20.83% higher than in Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Charlotte is paying less in state income taxes, which are 21.74% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,261.81 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Charlotte
Charlotte | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 874,579 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 26 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 53 |
Crime Index | 46.52 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 53.48 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charlotte's population is about 49% greater than Baltimore.
- Charlotte's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- Charlotte is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
- Charlotte's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 46.52 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Charlotte is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 53.48 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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).Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: North Carolina doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charlotte. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charlotte
Ready to relocate to "Queen City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charlotte.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ballantyne East
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Marvin
- Provincetown
Things to do in Charlotte
After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charlotte has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charlotte is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Charlotte?
The best time to move from Baltimore to Charlotte is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Charlotte?
Because most people are moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Charlotte take?
The 442-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Charlotte, NC, takes one to four days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charlotte.