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Things to know before moving from Michigan to Charleston, SC
Cost of living: Michigan vs Charleston, SC
| Michigan | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,037 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $245,716 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $62,294 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 4% |
| State income tax | 4% | 7% |
Charleston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 141% more expensive in Charleston than in Michigan.
- Home prices are about 128% higher in Charleston than in Michigan.
- The average income is about 9% lower in Charleston than in Michigan.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Michigan by about 15%.
- Income taxes are 65% higher in Charleston than in Michigan.
How life is different in Charleston from Michigan
| Charleston | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 48" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 64" |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 19.98 |
Charleston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Charleston is approximately 99% lower than the population of Michigan.
- In the last presidential election, Charleston voted Democratic and Michigan voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Charleston is 89ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Charleston reaches the temperature of 39ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
- You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Charleston vs 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
- In Charleston, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
- Charleston has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 44.97 vs 19.98.
Things to do in Charleston
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Charleston.
Museums in Charleston
Parks in Charleston
Sports Teams in Charleston
Universities in Charleston
Other considerations when moving to Charleston, SC
- 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 South Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Michigan to Charleston take?
The time frame for a move from Michigan to Charleston, SC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Michigan, the longer the drive time to Charleston will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Charleston from Michigan can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Michigan to Charleston?
Because of the 1023-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Michigan to Charleston as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charleston, SC?
With the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 39ºF, most people move to Charleston from Michigan during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Charleston during summer or winter.
