($1,897) Movers From Billings, MT to Charleston, SC

What to know before moving from Billings to Charleston

Moving from Billings to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Billings, 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 92% higher than in Billings, 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 Billings.
  Home prices in Charleston are 46.6% higher than in Billings.
• Income in Charleston is 1.9% lower than in Billings, 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 198.9% higher than in Billings. 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 73.9% higher than in Billings.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 2.44% lower than in Billings.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city’s sales taxes in Charleston are 9.00% higher than in Billings.
• State income taxes in Charleston are 3.70% higher than in Billings.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,967.85 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.

How life is different in Billings vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 18% less than Billings.
• Charleston's public transportation has a similar score to Billings.
• Charleston is more walkable than Billings with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Billings's 35 out of 100.
• Both Charleston and Billings have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Billings. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Charleston and Billings have a similar crime rate.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Billings with a safety index of 55.03 vs Billings's 50.37.
• Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Billings it's good.

Other things to consider for your Billings 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