($1,002) Movers From Durham, NC to Charleston, SC

What to know before moving from Durham to Charleston

Moving from Durham to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Durham, 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 47% higher than in Durham, 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 Durham.
  Home prices in Charleston are 42.8% higher than in Durham.
• Income in Charleston is 84.3% lower than in Durham, 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 89.1% higher than in Durham. 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 32.7% higher than in Durham.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 2.44% lower than in Durham.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city’s sales taxes in Charleston are 20.00% higher than in Durham.
• State income taxes in Charleston are 55.56% higher than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,672.49 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 47% less than Durham.
• Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Durham's higher score of 4.
• Charleston is more walkable than Durham with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
• With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Charleston's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 44.97 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 55.03 vs Durham's 45.28.
• Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham 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