Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Lexington
What to know before moving from Charleston to Lexington
Moving from Charleston to Lexington 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 Lexington, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Lexington so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charleston | Lexington | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,345 |
Average home value | $559,231 | $309,021 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $61,526 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $3,100 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $4,170 |
Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 4.0% |
- Rent prices in Lexington are 46% 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 Lexington.
Home prices in Lexington are 44.7% lower than in Charleston. - Income in Lexington is 1.2% lower than in Charleston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lexington include A&W Restaurants, University of Kentucky, and Federal Prison Industries.
- The cost of living for a single person in Lexington is 41.5% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Lexington is 47.1% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Lexington is 7.50% higher than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Lexington, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lexington are 33.33% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Lexington is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.86% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,754.72 in Lexington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Lexington
Lexington | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 320,347 | 150,277 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 3 |
Walkability score | 90 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 85 | 50 |
Crime Index | 50.88 | 44.97 |
Safety Index | 49.12 | 55.03 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lexington's population is about 113% greater than Charleston.
- Lexington's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
- Lexington is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 90 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 85 out of 100, Lexington 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.
- Lexington's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 50.88 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Lexington is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 49.12 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Lexington is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Lexington move
- Weather: Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
- 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: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) โ Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Kentucky, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Kentucky 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 Lexington 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 free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lexington
With your sights set on "Horse Capital of the World", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lexington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Downtown Lexington
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Georgetown
- Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair
Best neighborhoods for families
- Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Georgetown
- Paris
- Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
Things to do in Lexington
After settling into your new Kentucky home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lexington has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Lexington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Kentucky Horse Park, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, and Explorium of Lexington.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs The Arboretum, Thoroughbred Park, Jacobson Park, and Masterson Station 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 Lexington Legends (ALPB) and Lexington SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Lexington?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Lexington. 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 Lexington?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Lexington, 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 Lexington take?
The 544-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Lexington, KY typically takes one to six 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 Lexington.