Factors influencing moving costs from Sioux Falls to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls to Charleston can be as low as $1,652 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 12,507.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Sioux Falls, 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 $1,096 to $2,599. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Sioux Falls to Charleston

Moving from Sioux Falls to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Sioux Falls, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Sioux Falls Charleston
Average rent cost $1,100 $2,500
Average home value $318,982 $559,231
Average income (per capita) $58,538 $62,294
Cost of living (single person) $1,770 $5,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,542 $7,890
Unemployment rate 3.2% 4.0%
Sales tax 6.5% 9.0%
State income tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 127% higher than in Sioux Falls, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Sioux Falls.
    Home prices in Charleston are 75.3% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • Income in Charleston is 6.4% higher than in Sioux Falls, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 199.4% higher than in Sioux Falls. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 73.7% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 25.00% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charleston are 38.46% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 7.00% higher than in Sioux Falls.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,983.05 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Sioux Falls.

How life is different in Sioux Falls vs. Charleston

Charleston Sioux Falls
Population 150,277 202,600
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 2
Walkability score 40 38
Bike friendliness score 50 46
Crime Index 44.97 42.83
Safety Index 55.03 57.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 26% less than Sioux Falls.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Sioux Falls's lower score of 2.
  • Charleston and Sioux Falls are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Sioux Falls, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Charleston and Sioux Falls have a similar crime rate.
  • Charleston and Sioux Falls are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Sioux Falls it's good.

Other things to consider for your Sioux Falls vs. Charleston move

  • Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
  • 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While South 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 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 moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • 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 "Holy City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Harleston Village
  • James Island
  • North Charleston
  • South of Broad West Ashley

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Mount Pleasant
  • Park Circle
  • Stiles Point
  • Summerville
  • Wagener Terrace

Things to do in Charleston

Now that you've made the move to South Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Charleston?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Sioux Falls to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls to Charleston take?

The 1,461-mile move from Sioux Falls, SD, to Charleston, SC, takes three to eight days. Some Sioux Falls movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources