Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Lubbock
What to know before moving from Charleston to Lubbock
Moving from Charleston to Lubbock comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Lubbock 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 | Lubbock | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $875 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $199,759 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $58,626 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $1,715 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $3,996 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Lubbock are 43% 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 Lubbock are 30.0% higher than in Charleston. - Income in Lubbock is 1.2% lower than in Charleston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Lubbock include Texas Tech University, Covenant Health System, and Lubbock Independent School District.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lubbock, since the cost of living for a single person in Lubbock is 10.7% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Lubbock, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lubbock is 3.5% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Lubbock is 4.84% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Lubbock, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lubbock are 17.86% higher than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Lubbock is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,321.50 in Lubbock to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Lubbock
Lubbock | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 263,930 | 48,018 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 2 |
Walkability score | 39 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 28 |
Crime Index | 50.39 | 53.94 |
Safety Index | 48.61 | 46.06 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lubbock's population is about 450% greater than Charleston.
- Lubbock's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
- Lubbock is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 43 out of 100, Lubbock 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.
- Lubbock and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
- Lubbock and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Lubbock is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Lubbock move
- Weather: Although in many parts of Texas hurricanes and extreme heat may affect your move, this is less of a concern in Lubbock. Local climate shouldn't play a big role in your move to Lubbock.
- 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Texas 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 Lubbock 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. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lubbock
With your sights set on "Hub City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lubbock.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tech Terrace
- South Overton
- North Overton
- Northridge
- Lakeridge
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rush
- Vintage Township
- Tech Terrace
- Kingsgate
- Lakeridge
Things to do in Lubbock
After settling into your new Texas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lubbock has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Lubbock is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Buddy Holly Center, National Ranching Heritage Center, Science Spectrum Museum, Silent Wings Museum, and American Wind Power Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Maxey Park, Alex & Verna Cooke Park, Mackenzie Park, and Prairie Dog Town 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 Texas Tech Red Raiders, Lubbock Renegades, or Lubbock Matadors game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Lubbock?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Lubbock. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Lubbock?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Lubbock, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Charleston to Lubbock take?
The 1,350-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Lubbock, TX typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lubbock.