($1,273) Movers From Charleston, SC to Chesapeake, VA

What to know before moving from Charleston to Chesapeake

Moving from Charleston to Chesapeake means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Chesapeake, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Chesapeake are 28% lower than in Charleston, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Chesapeake.
  Home prices in Chesapeake are 32.9% lower than in Charleston.
• Income in Chesapeake is 1.9% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chesapeake include Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System.
• The cost of living for a single person in Chesapeake is 64.5% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Chesapeake is 53.7% lower than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 25.00% higher than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chesapeake, since the city’s sales taxes in Chesapeake are 33.33% lower than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Chesapeake is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.86% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,065.28 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Chesapeake

• Chesapeake's population is about 66% greater than Charleston.
• Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
• Chesapeake is less walkable than Charleston with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
• Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score 35 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.
• Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 25.0 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 70.88 vs Charleston's 55.03.
• Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Chesapeake move

• Weather: It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Virginia doesn’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 Chesapeake 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. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chesapeake

With your sights set on "Chesapeake", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chesapeake.

Helpful moving resources