Factors influencing moving costs from Manchester to Charleston
What to know before moving from Manchester to Charleston
Moving from Manchester to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Manchester, itโs 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:
Manchester | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,004 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $410,329 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $67,132 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,449 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,256 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 25% higher than in Manchester, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Manchester.
Home prices in Charleston are 36.3% higher than in Manchester. - Income in Charleston is 7.2% lower than in Manchester, 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 116.4% higher than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 50.1% higher than in Manchester.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 5.26% higher than in Manchester.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 9.00% higher than in Manchester.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 75.00% higher than in Manchester.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,492.45 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.
How life is different in Manchester vs. Charleston
Charleston | Manchester | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 115,644 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 3 |
Walkability score | 40 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 42 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 56.09 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 43.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 30% greater than Manchester.
- Charleston's public transportation has a similar score to Manchester.
- Charleston is less walkable than Manchester with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Manchester's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Manchester, which has a score of 42 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 Manchester with a score of 44.97 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Manchester with a safety index of 55.03 vs Manchester's 43.91.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Manchester it's good.
Other things to consider for your Manchester 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 regulationsโsome 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\โs 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 youโve chosen "Holy City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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 youโre settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs 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 cityโs 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 Manchester to Charleston?
The best time to move from Manchester to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Manchester.
When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Manchester 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 Manchester to Charleston take?
The 1,010-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Charleston, SC, takes two to eight days. Some Manchester movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.