Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to Charlotte

The cost of Houston 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 Houston to Charlotte can be as low as $1,377 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,329.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, 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 $843 to $1,979. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Houston to Charlotte

Houston Charlotte
Average rent cost $1,549 $1,790
Average home value $263,945 $391,658
Average income (per capita) $69,833 $64,814
Cost of living (single person) $1,112 $1,246
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,962 $4,535
Unemployment rate 4.1% 3.3%
Sales tax 8.25% 7.25%
State income tax 0.0% 4.5%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Charlotte are 16% higher than in Houston.
  • Home prices in Charlotte are 48.4% higher than in Houston.
  • Income in Charlotte is 7.2% lower than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 12.1% higher than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 14.5% higher than in Houston.
  • The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 19.51% lower than in Houston.
  • Sales taxes in Charlotte are 12.12% lower than in Houston.
  • State income taxes in Charlotte are 4.50% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,361.51 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Charlotte

Charlotte Houston
Population 874,579 2,301,572
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 26 47
Bike friendliness score 31 49
Crime Index 46.52 63.5
Safety Index 53.48 36.5
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Charlotte's population is about 62% less than Houston.
  • Charlotte's public transportation has a similar score to Houston.
  • Charlotte is less walkable than Houston with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 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 Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
  • Charlotte's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 46.52 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
  • Charlotte is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 53.48 vs Houston's 36.5.
  • Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Houston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Houston 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charlotte. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Charlotte

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charlotte.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Belmont
  • Dilworth
  • Elizabeth
  • First Ward
  • Freedom Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Ballantyne East
  • Providence Crossing
  • Ballantyne West
  • Providence Plantation
  • Davidson
  • Marvin
  • Hembstead
  • Tega Cay
  • Sharon Woods
  • Provincetown

Things to do in Charlotte

After settling into your new North Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charlotte has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Charlotte is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 city’s Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Houston to Charlotte?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Charlotte?

Because most people are moving from Houston 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 Houston to Charlotte take?

The 1,037-mile move from Houston, TX, to Charlotte, NC, takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charlotte.

Helpful moving resources

Houston moving services

Popular Texas routes

Popular moving resources