Factors influencing moving costs from Lansing to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Lansing to Charleston can be as low as $1,550 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,592.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lansing, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $722 to $1,713. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Charleston

Moving from Lansing to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Lansing, itโ€™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:

Lansing Charleston
Average rent cost $1,129 $2,500
Average home value $148,542 $559,231
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $62,294
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $5,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $7,890
Unemployment rate 7.4% 4.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 4.25% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 121% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Charleston are 276.5% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Charleston is 3.8% lower than in Lansing, 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 232.3% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 87.9% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 45.95% lower than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charleston are 50.00% higher than in Lansing.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 64.71% higher than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,968.65 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Charleston

Charleston Lansing
Population 150,277 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 40 46
Bike friendliness score 50 55
Crime Index 44.97 48.66
Safety Index 55.03 51.34
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 33% greater than Lansing.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Lansing's higher score of 5.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Lansing with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Lansing's 46 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 Lansing, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
  • Charleston and Lansing have a similar crime rate.
  • Charleston and Lansing are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Lansing it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lansing 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Harleston Village
  • James Island
  • North Charleston
  • South of Broad West Ashley

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Mount Pleasant
  • Park Circle
  • Stiles Point
  • Summerville
  • Wagener Terrace

Things to do in Charleston

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lansing to Charleston?

The best time to move from Lansing to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lansing.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Lansing to Charleston 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 Lansing to Charleston take?

The 889-mile move from Lansing, MI, to Charleston, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Lansing movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources