Factors influencing moving costs from Memphis to Charlotte
What to know before moving from Memphis to Charlotte
Moving from Memphis to Charlotte comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charlotte is generally more expensive than Memphis, itโs 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:
Memphis | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,790 |
Average home value | $143,715 | $391,658 |
Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $64,814 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $3,158 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $8,325 |
Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Charlotte are 38% higher than in Memphis, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Charlotte are 172.5% higher than in Memphis. - Income in Charlotte is 34.8% higher than in Memphis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Charlotte include Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Bank of America.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charlotte, since the cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 71.4% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Charlotte, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 89.1% higher than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 58.75% lower than in Memphis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charlotte are 25.64% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes in Charlotte are 4.50% higher than in Memphis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,143.32 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Charlotte
Charlotte | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 874,579 | 633,104 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 26 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 31 | 41 |
Crime Index | 46.52 | 77.49 |
Safety Index | 53.48 | 22.51 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charlotte's population is about 38% greater than Memphis.
- Charlotte's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Memphis's lower score of 4.
- Charlotte is less walkable than Memphis with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100.
- Charlotte's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 46.52 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Charlotte is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 53.48 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Memphis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis vs. Charlotte move
- Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
- 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โC Numberโ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโs Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While North Carolina 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 Charlotte 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charlotte
With your sights set on "Queen City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Charlotte.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Ballantyne East
- Providence Crossing
- Hembstead
- Sharon Woods
- Provincetown
Things to do in Charlotte
Once youโre settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Charlotte has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Charlotte features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier 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 Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Charlotte?
The best time to move from Memphis to Charlotte is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Charlotte?
Because most people are moving from Memphis to Charlotte 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 Memphis to Charlotte take?
The 637-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Charlotte, NC, takes one to six days. Some Memphis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charlotte.