Factors influencing moving costs from Jersey City to Charleston
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Charleston
Moving from Jersey City to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Jersey City, 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:
Jersey City | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,975 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $589,419 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,397 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,861 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 6.63% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 10.7% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 16% lower than in Jersey City, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 5.1% lower than in Jersey City. - Income in Charleston is 17.2% lower than in Jersey City, 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 20.5% higher than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 20.0% lower than in Jersey City.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 51.81% lower than in Jersey City.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 35.75% higher than in Jersey City.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 34.58% lower than in Jersey City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,616.10 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Charleston
Charleston | Jersey City | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 292,449 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 9 |
Walkability score | 40 | 87 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 64 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 43.21 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 56.79 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston's population is about 49% less than Jersey City.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Jersey City's higher score of 9.
- Charleston is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Jersey City, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
- Charleston and Jersey City have a similar crime rate.
- Charleston and Jersey City are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Jersey City it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City 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 Jersey City to Charleston?
The best time to move from Jersey City to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Jersey City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Jersey City 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 Jersey City to Charleston take?
The 754-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to Charleston, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Jersey City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.