Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Fayettevilletoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Charleston to Fayetteville can be as low as $877 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 5,292.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $296 to $643. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Fayetteville

Moving from Charleston to Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charleston compares to Fayetteville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charleston Fayetteville
Average rent cost $2,500 $1,300
Average home value $559,231 $199,299
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $59,180
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $1,483
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $3,649
Unemployment rate 4.0% 7.1%
Sales tax 9.0% 7.0%
State income tax 7.0% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Fayetteville are 48% lower than in Charleston, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Fayetteville.
    Home prices in Fayetteville are 64.4% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income in Fayetteville is 5.0% lower than in Charleston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Fayetteville include Cumberland County Hospital System, Fayetteville State University, and Purolator Air Filtration.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Fayetteville is 72.0% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Fayetteville is 53.8% lower than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Fayetteville is 77.50% higher than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Fayetteville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Fayetteville are 22.22% lower than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Fayetteville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 35.71% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $839.43 in Fayetteville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Fayetteville

Fayetteville Charleston
Population 211,657 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 3
Walkability score 21 40
Bike friendliness score 30 50
Crime Index 6.0 44.97
Safety Index 67.0 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
  • Fayetteville's population is about 41% greater than Charleston.
  • Fayetteville's public transportation has a similar score to Charleston.
  • Fayetteville is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • Fayetteville has a bike-friendliness score 30 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.
  • Fayetteville's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 6.0 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Fayetteville neighborhoods are safer than 6.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
  • Fayetteville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 67.0 vs Charleston's 55.03.
  • Air quality in Fayetteville is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Fayetteville move

  • Weather: May, October and April are the best months to move in Fayetteville, while you need to reconsider your plans on July and August.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s 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: 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 โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While North Carolina doesnโ€™t 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 Fayetteville 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 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Fayetteville

With your sights set on "All-American City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Fayetteville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Hope Mills
  • Rockfish
  • Raeford
  • Vander
  • Seventy-First Township

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Spring Lake
  • Hope Mills
  • Vander
  • Rockfish

Things to do in Fayetteville

After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Fayetteville has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Fayetteville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, Fascinate-U Children's Museum, Museum of Cape Fear, and David McCune International Art Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Cape Fear River Trail, Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Veterans Park, and Lake Rim 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 Fayetteville?

The best time to move from Charleston to Fayetteville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Fayetteville?

Because most people are moving from Charleston to Fayetteville 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 Charleston to Fayetteville take?

The 218-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Fayetteville, NC, takes one to two days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Fayetteville.

Helpful moving resources