($1,484) Movers From Ann Arbor, MI to Charleston, SC

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Charleston

Moving from Ann Arbor to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Ann Arbor, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Charleston are 11% higher than in Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor.
  Home prices in Charleston are 17.8% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• Income in Charleston is 7.0% lower than in Ann Arbor, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 143.6% higher than in Ann Arbor. 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 47.6% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 14.29% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city’s sales taxes in Charleston are 50.00% higher than in Ann Arbor.
• State income taxes in Charleston are 64.71% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,306.99 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 21% greater than Ann Arbor.
• Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's higher score of 7.
• Charleston is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 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 Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• Charleston's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 44.97 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
• Charleston is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 55.03 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
• Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor 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: 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: 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: South Carolina doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s 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. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Charleston

Ready to relocate to "Holy City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources