Factors influencing moving costs from Santa Ana to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Santa Ana to Charleston can be as low as $1,505 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,835.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,643 to $4,236. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Charleston

Santa Ana Charleston
Average rent cost $2,650 $2,500
Average home value $843,858 $559,231
Average income (per capita) $77,283 $62,294
Cost of living (single person) $6,333 $5,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,160 $7,890
Unemployment rate 7.0% 4.0%
Sales tax 9.25% 9.0%
State income tax 13.3% 7.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 6% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • Home prices in Charleston are 33.7% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • Income in Charleston is 19.4% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 16.3% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 29.3% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 42.86% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • Sales taxes in Charleston are 2.70% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 47.37% lower than in Santa Ana.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,510.66 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Santa Ana.

How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Charleston

Charleston Santa Ana
Population 150,277 310,227
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 40 67
Bike friendliness score 50 62
Crime Index 44.97 54.17
Safety Index 55.03 45.83
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Charleston's population is about 52% less than Santa Ana.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Santa Ana's lower score of 7.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 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 Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100.
  • Charleston's crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 44.97 compared to Santa Ana's 54.17. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
  • Charleston is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 55.03 vs Santa Ana's 45.83.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Santa Ana it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Santa Ana 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: 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina 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 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 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 "Holy City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Harleston Village
  • James Island
  • North Charleston
  • South of Broad West Ashley

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Mount Pleasant
  • Park Circle
  • Stiles Point
  • Summerville
  • Wagener Terrace

Things to do in Charlestontoggle

After settling into your new South Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Charleston?

The best time to move from Santa Ana to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.

When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to Charleston take?

The 2,469-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Charleston, SC, takes seven to 18 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources

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