($1,420) Movers From Madison, WI to Charleston, SC

What to know before moving from Madison to Charleston

Moving from Madison to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Madison, it’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:

• Rent prices in Charleston are 56% higher than in Madison, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
  Home prices in Charleston are 52.0% higher than in Madison.
• Income is the same in Charleston and Madison. 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 131.2% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 44.6% higher than in Madison.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 21.21% higher than in Madison.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city’s sales taxes in Charleston are 63.64% higher than in Madison.
• One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 8.50% lower than in Madison.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,937.17 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How life is different in Madison vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 44% less than Madison.
• Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
• Charleston is less walkable than Madison with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
• Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
• Charleston's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 44.97 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• Charleston is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 55.03 vs Madison's 65.43.
• Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Madison it's good.

Other things to consider for your Madison 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’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 company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While South Carolina doesn’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.

Helpful moving resources