Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Mesa
What to know before moving from Charleston to Mesa
Moving from Charleston to Mesa 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 Mesa, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Mesa so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charleston | Mesa | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,786 |
Average home value | $559,231 | $432,892 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $64,524 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $2,416 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $5,566 |
Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.1% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.3% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Mesa are 29% 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 Mesa.
Home prices in Mesa are 22.6% lower than in Charleston. - Income in Mesa is 3.6% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
- The cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 54.4% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 29.5% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Mesa is 52.50% higher than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mesa are 7.78% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 64.29% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,367.55 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Mesa
Mesa | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 504,258 | 150,277 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 3 |
Walkability score | 38 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 60 | 50 |
Crime Index | 44.67 | 44.97 |
Safety Index | 55.33 | 55.03 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mesa's population is about 236% greater than Charleston.
- Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
- Mesa and Charleston are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Mesa and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
- Mesa and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Mesa move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Arizona 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 Mesa 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. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Mesa
With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Mesa has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Mesa is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer 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 game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Mesa?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Mesa. 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 Mesa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Mesa, 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 Mesa take?
The 2,091-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Mesa, AZ typically takes six to 17 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 Mesa.