Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Houston

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 Houston can be as low as $1,395 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,288.
  • 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 $850 to $2,118. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Houston

Charleston Houston
Average rent cost $2,500 $1,549
Average home value $559,231 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $69,833
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $2,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $7,157
Unemployment rate 4.0% 4.1%
Sales tax 9.0% 8.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Houston are 38% lower than in Charleston.
  • Home prices in Houston are 52.8% lower than in Charleston.
  • Income in Houston is 12.1% higher than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 47.7% lower than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Houston is 9.3% lower than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Houston is 2.50% higher than in Charleston.
  • Sales taxes in Houston are 8.33% lower than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in Houston are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,567.92 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Houston

Houston Charleston
Population 2,301,572 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 47 40
Bike friendliness score 49 50
Crime Index 63.5 44.97
Safety Index 36.5 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Houston's population is about 1,432% greater than Charleston.
  • Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
  • Houston is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • Houston has a bike-friendliness score 49 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.
  • Houston's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 63.5 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
  • Houston is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 36.5 vs Charleston's 55.03.
  • Air quality in Houston is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Houston move

  • Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Houston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Houston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "HOU", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Houston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Greenway/Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clear Lake City
  • Friendswood
  • Kingwood
  • Memorial
  • Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Houston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charleston to Houston?

The best time to move from Charleston to Houston 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 Houston?

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

The 1,086-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Houston, TX, takes two to eight 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 Houston.

Helpful moving resources

Charleston moving services

Popular South Carolina routes

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