Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Burlington
What to know before moving from Charleston to Burlington
Moving from Charleston to Burlington 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 Burlington, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Burlington so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charleston | Burlington | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,500 | $2,200 |
Average home value | $559,231 | $495,758 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $66,546 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $2,693 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $5,537 |
Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.2% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 8.75% |
- Rent prices in Burlington are 12% lower than in Charleston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Burlington.
Home prices in Burlington are 11.4% lower than in Charleston. - Income in Burlington is 6.8% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Burlington include The University of Vermont Health Network, University of Vermont, and Champlain College.
- The cost of living for a single person in Burlington is 49.2% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Burlington is 29.8% lower than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Burlington is 20.00% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Burlington, since the cityโs sales taxes in Burlington are 22.22% lower than in Charleston.
- State income taxes in Burlington are 25.00% higher than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,524.34 in Burlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Burlington
Burlington | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 44,743 | 150,277 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 59 | 40 |
Bike friendliness score | 81 | 50 |
Crime Index | 43.33 | 44.97 |
Safety Index | 56.67 | 55.03 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Burlington's population is about 70% less than Charleston.
- Burlington's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
- Burlington is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 59 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 81 out of 100, Burlington 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.
- Burlington and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
- Burlington and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Burlington is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Burlington move
- Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Burlington, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- 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: Although a local license is not required in Vermont, make sure the moving company youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Vermont, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Vermont 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 Burlington 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. When it comes to movers' insurance in Vermont, many moving companies provide Released Value Protection at no extra charge, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For heightened protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Exploring third-party insurance providers for personalized plans is also an option. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Vermont.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Burlington
With your sights set on "BTV", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Burlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Five Sisters
- Downtown
- Old North End
- South End
- Hill Section (Hill District)
Best neighborhoods for families
- South End
- The Hill
Things to do in Burlington
After settling into your new Vermont home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Burlington has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Burlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Frog Hollow Craft Center, Burlington City Arts Center, Robert Hull Fleming Museum, and New City Galerie.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Burlington Bike Path, Waterfront Park, North Beach Park, and Oakledge 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 Vermont Catamounts (America East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Burlington?
The best time to move from Charleston to Burlington 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 Burlington?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Burlington 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 Burlington take?
The 1,046-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Burlington, VT, 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 Burlington.