Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Tempe
What to know before moving from Charleston to Tempe
Moving from Charleston to Tempe comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Tempe is generally more expensive than Charleston, 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:
Charleston | Tempe | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,834 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $471,494 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $64,080 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $5,433 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $6,810 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.4% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.1% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Tempe are 110% higher than in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
Home prices in Tempe are 206.8% higher than in Charleston. - Income in Tempe is 8.0% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Tempe include Amkor Technology, Inc., Benchmark Electronics, and America West Holdings.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Tempe, since the cost of living for a single person in Tempe is 250.7% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Tempe, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tempe is 76.3% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Tempe is 12.90% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tempe, since the cityโs sales taxes in Tempe are 15.71% higher than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Tempe is paying less in state income taxes, which are 61.54% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $10,522.27 in Tempe to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Tempe
Tempe | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 180,587 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 2 |
Walkability score | 54 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 75 | 28 |
Crime Index | 42.36 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 57.64 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Tempe is about 276% greater than Charleston, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Tempe offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Tempe has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 2 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Tempe means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. Tempe is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 54 out of 100 versus 33 out of 100 in Charleston. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Tempe is considered more bike-friendly than Charleston in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 28 out of 100.
- Tempe has a lower crime rate than Charleston based on scores of 42.36 and Charleston's 53.94, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Tempe than in Charleston, based on Tempeโs safety index of 57.64 versus 46.06 for Charleston. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Tempe and Charleston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Tempe move
- Weather: Tempe has very hot summers and little rainfall.
- 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: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Arizona 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 Tempe 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 its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tempe
With your sights set on "Tempe", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Tempe.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cyprus Southwest
- Daley Park
- Kyrene-Superstition
- Mitchell Park West
- University Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Alta Mira
- Dava-Lakeshore
- Meyer Park
- Sandahl
- Tempe Gardens
Things to do in Tempe
After settling into your new Arizona home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tempe has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tempe is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the AZ Heritage Center at Papago Park, Tempe History Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, ASU Museum Ceramics Center and Brickyard Gallery, and Petersen House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Tempe Town Lake, Kiwanis Park, and Papago Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Arizona State University Sun Devils (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Tempe?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Tempe. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Tempe?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Tempe are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Tempe take?
Covering 1,954 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Tempe, AZ typically takes five to 16 days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTempe can help bridge the gap.