Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Greenville
What to know before moving from Charleston to Greenville
Moving from Charleston to Greenville comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Greenville 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 | Greenville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,551 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $317,341 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $72,000 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $3,090 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $7,352 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 2.7% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Greenville are 77% 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 Greenville are 106.5% higher than in Charleston. - Income in Greenville is 21.3% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Greenville include Michelin, Perrigo, and Greenville Health & Rehab.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Greenville, since the cost of living for a single person in Greenville is 99.5% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Greenville, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Greenville is 90.4% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Greenville is 56.45% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Greenville, since the cityโs sales taxes in Greenville are 14.29% lower than in Charleston.
- State income taxes in Greenville are 7.69% higher than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,984.51 in Greenville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Greenville
Greenville | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 70,720 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 2 |
Walkability score | 43 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 28 |
Crime Index | 38.56 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 61.44 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Greenville's population is about 47% greater than Charleston.
- Greenville's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Greenville is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Greenville is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Greenville's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 38.56 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Greenville neighborhoods are safer than 38.56% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Greenville is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 61.44 vs Charleston's 46.06.
- Air quality in Greenville is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Greenville move
- Weather: If you're moving to Greenville, SC, May, September and October are the best months to move to the city. Heat are tolerable and even desirable on some months. Winters are short and generally cool.
- 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: 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 companyโs license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While South 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 Greenville 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 Greenville
With your sights set on "Greenville", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Greenville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Greenville
- The West End
- Downtown Greenville
- North Main
- Overbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Gower Estates
- River Walk
- Orchard Farms
- Silverleaf
- Neely Farm
Things to do in Greenville
After settling into your new South Carolina home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Greenville has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Greenville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Upcountry History Museum, Greenville County Museum of Art, Museum and Library of Confederate History, Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, and Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Paris Mountain State Park, Runway Park at GMU, Cleveland Park, and McPherson 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 Greenville Drive (Baseball-South Atlantic League), Greenville Swamp Rabbits (Hockey-ECHL), Greenville Triumph SC (Soccer-USL League One), or Furman Paladins (Southern) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Greenville?
The best time to move from Charleston to Greenville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Greenville?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Greenville 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 Charleston to Greenville take?
The 360-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Greenville, SC, takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Greenville.