Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Montgomery
What to know before moving from Charleston to Montgomery
Moving from Charleston to Montgomery means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Montgomery, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Montgomery so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charleston | Montgomery | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $559,231 | $140,563 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $49,989 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $1,651 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $3,569 |
Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.8% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Montgomery are 52% lower than in Charleston, 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 Montgomery.
Home prices in Montgomery are 74.9% lower than in Charleston. - Income in Montgomery is 19.8% lower than in Charleston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Montgomery include Alfa, Colonial Banc Group, and Colonial National Bank.
- The cost of living for a single person in Montgomery is 68.8% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Montgomery is 54.8% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Montgomery is 45.00% higher than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Montgomery, since the cityโs sales taxes in Montgomery are 11.11% higher than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Montgomery is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.57% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $934.53 in Montgomery to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Montgomery
Montgomery | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 200,603 | 150,277 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 26 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 33 | 50 |
Crime Index | 65.25 | 44.97 |
Safety Index | 34.75 | 55.03 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Montgomery's population is about 33% greater than Charleston.
- Montgomery's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
- Montgomery is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- Montgomery has a bike-friendliness score 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100.
- Montgomery's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 65.25 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Montgomery is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 34.75 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Montgomery is moderate, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Montgomery move
- Weather: Montgomery ith short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, humid summers. Severe storms also bring a risk of tornadoes.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Montgomery without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Montgomery
With your sights set on "Cradle of the Confederacy", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Montgomery.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cloverdale/Idlewild
- Old Cloverdale
- EastChase
- Entertainment District
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dalraida
- Forest Park
- Hillwood
- McGehee Estates
- Pike Road
Things to do in Montgomery
After settling into your new Alabama home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Montgomery has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Montgomery is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Civil Rights Memorial Center, Alabama Department of Archives and History, and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Riverfront Park, Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park, Wright Brothers Park, and Alabama Bicentennial Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Montgomery Biscuits (Double A) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Montgomery?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Montgomery. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Montgomery?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Montgomery, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charleston to Montgomery take?
The 454-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Montgomery, AL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Montgomery.