Factors influencing moving costs from Myrtle Beach to Charleston
What to know before moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston
Moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Myrtle Beach than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Myrtle Beach compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Myrtle Beach | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,850 | $875 |
Average home value | $299,556 | $153,672 |
Average income (per capita) | $53,985 | $59,354 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,388 | $1,549 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,791 | $3,862 |
Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 53% lower than in Myrtle Beach, 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 Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 48.7% lower than in Myrtle Beach. - Income in Charleston is 9.9% higher than in Myrtle Beach, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs.
- The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 35.1% lower than in Myrtle Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 19.4% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 18.42% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 22.22% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 7.14% lower than in Myrtle Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,945.98 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Myrtle Beach.
How life is different in Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston
Charleston | Myrtle Beach | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 35,682 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 2 |
Walkability score | 33 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 54 |
Crime Index | 53.94 | 58.06 |
Safety Index | 46.06 | 41.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 35% greater than Myrtle Beach.
- Charleston's public transportation has a similar score to Myrtle Beach.
- Charleston is less walkable than Myrtle Beach with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Myrtle Beach's 43 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 28 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Myrtle Beach, which has a score of 54 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Myrtle Beach with a score of 53.94 compared to Myrtle Beach's 58.06. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Myrtle Beach neighborhoods are safer than 58.06%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Myrtle Beach with a safety index of 46.06 vs Myrtle Beach's 41.94.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Myrtle Beach it's good.
Other things to consider for your Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, 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: In the Mountaineer State, the stateโs Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commissionโs Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that theyโre reputable businesses in good standing. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in West Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While West Virginia 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 Charleston 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 relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on "Charlie West", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East End
- West Side
- Kanawha City
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Hills
- Edgewood
- Kanawha City
- Fort Hill
- Loudon Heights
Things to do in Charleston
Once youโre settled into your new home in West Virginia, itโs time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
The best time to move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Myrtle Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston 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 Myrtle Beach to Charleston take?
The 432-mile move from Myrtle Beach, SC, to Charleston, WV, takes one to four days. Some Myrtle Beach movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.