Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Charlotte
What to know before moving from Portland to Charlotte
Moving from Portland to Charlotte comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charlotte is generally more expensive than Portland, 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:
Portland | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,530 | $1,790 |
Average home value | $522,596 | $391,658 |
Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $64,814 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,572 | $3,158 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,077 | $8,325 |
Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 9.9% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Charlotte are 17% higher than in Portland, 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 Charlotte.
Home prices in Charlotte are 25.1% lower than in Portland. - Income in Charlotte is 24.5% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charlotte include Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Bank of America.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charlotte, since the cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 22.8% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Charlotte, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 37.0% higher than in Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 52.17% lower than in Portland.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charlotte are 7.25% higher than in Portland.
- One perk of moving to Charlotte is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.55% lower than in Portland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,683.51 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.
How life is different in Portland vs. Charlotte
Charlotte | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 874,579 | 652,503 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 26 | 81 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 92 |
Crime Index | 46.52 | 57.37 |
Safety Index | 53.48 | 42.63 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charlotte's population is about 34% greater than Portland.
- Charlotte's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
- Charlotte is less walkable than Portland with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
- Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
- Charlotte's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 46.52 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Charlotte is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 53.48 vs Portland's 42.63.
- Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Portland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Charlotte move
- Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
- 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โC Numberโ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโs Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in North 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 toCharlotte Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charlotte
Now that youโve chosen "Queen City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charlotte to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Providence Plantation
- Davidson
- Hembstead
Things to do in Charlotte
Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโs the perfect time to explore Charlotte. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charlotte, such as the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Portland to Charlotte?
The best time to move from Portland to Charlotte is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Charlotte?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Charlotte 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 Portland to Charlotte take?
The 2,768-mile move from Portland, OR, to Charlotte, NC, takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charlotte.