Factors influencing moving costs from Little Rock to Charleston
What to know before moving from Little Rock to Charleston
Moving from Little Rock to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Little Rock than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Little Rock compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Little Rock | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,100 | $875 |
Average home value | $209,020 | $153,672 |
Average income (per capita) | $56,928 | $59,354 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,756 | $1,549 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,149 | $3,862 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 8.63% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 2.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 21% lower than in Little Rock, which means youโll have more 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 Charleston are 26.5% lower than in Little Rock. - Income in Charleston is 4.3% higher than in Little Rock, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs.
- The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 11.8% lower than in Little Rock. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 6.9% lower than in Little Rock.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 5.08% higher than in Little Rock.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 18.89% lower than in Little Rock.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 225.00% higher than in Little Rock.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,646.36 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Little Rock.
How life is different in Little Rock vs. Charleston
Charleston | Little Rock | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 202,591 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 33 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 32 |
Crime Index | 53.94 | 60.06 |
Safety Index | 46.06 | 39.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston's population is about 76% less than Little Rock.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Little Rock's higher score of 3.
- Charleston and Little Rock are similarily walkable.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 28 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Little Rock, which has a score of 32 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Little Rock with a score of 53.94 compared to Little Rock's 60.06. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Little Rock neighborhoods are safer than 60.06%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Little Rock with a safety index of 46.06 vs Little Rock's 39.94.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Little Rock it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Little Rock vs. Charleston move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- 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: In the Mountaineer State, the stateโs Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commissionโs Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that theyโre reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: West Virginia 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 Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Charlie West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East End
- West Side
- Kanawha City
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Hills
- Edgewood
- Kanawha City
- Fort Hill
- Loudon Heights
Things to do in Charleston
Once youโre settled into your new home in West Virginia, itโs time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Charleston?
The best time to move from Little Rock to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Little Rock.
When is the cheapest time to move from Little Rock to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Little Rock to Charleston 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 Little Rock to Charleston take?
The 733-mile move from Little Rock, AR, to Charleston, WV, takes one to six days. Some Little Rock movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.