($1,023) Movers From Chapel Hill, NC to Charleston, SC

What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to Charleston

Moving from Chapel Hill to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, 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 28% higher than in Chapel Hill, 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 Charleston.
  Home prices in Charleston are 5.6% lower than in Chapel Hill.
• Income in Charleston is 5.1% lower than in Chapel Hill, 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 135.8% higher than in Chapel Hill. 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 64.7% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 25.00% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city’s sales taxes in Charleston are 20.00% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• State income taxes in Charleston are 55.56% higher than in Chapel Hill.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,072.95 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.

How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 136% greater than Chapel Hill.
• Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Chapel Hill's higher score of 6.
• Charleston is more walkable than Chapel Hill with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Chapel Hill's 34 out of 100.
• Both Charleston and Chapel Hill have the same bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Chapel Hill. 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's crime rate is higher than Chapel Hill with a score of 44.97 compared to Chapel Hill's 26.42. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chapel Hill neighborhoods are safer than 26.42%.
• Charleston is considered to be less safe than Chapel Hill with a score of 55.03 vs Chapel Hill's 73.58.
• Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Chapel Hill it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toCharleston Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Charleston

Now that you’ve chosen "Holy City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.

Helpful moving resources