Key factors that impact the cost of your Charlotte to Sacramento movetoggle

The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Charlotte to Sacramento (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,522, while larger moves may reach $13,058 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Charlotte.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,918 to $4,625, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charlotte to Sacramento

Moving from Charlotte to Sacramento means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charlotte than in Sacramento, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charlotte compares to Sacramento so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charlotte Sacramento
Average rent cost $1,790 $1,899
Average home value $391,658 $476,699
Average income (per capita) $64,814 $78,954
Cost of living (single person) $3,158 $2,656
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,325 $6,191
Unemployment rate 3.3% 7.7%
Sales tax 7.25% 8.75%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Sacramento are 6% higher than in Charlotte, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Charlotte.
    Home prices in Sacramento are 21.7% higher than in Charlotte.
  • Income in Sacramento is 21.8% higher than in Charlotte, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Sacramento include Sutter Health, SynGen, and State of California.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 15.9% lower than in Charlotte. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 25.6% lower than in Charlotte.
  • The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 133.33% higher than in Charlotte.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Sacramento, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Sacramento are 20.69% higher than in Charlotte.
  • State income taxes in Sacramento are 195.56% higher than in Charlotte.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,523.12 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.

How life is different in Charlotte vs. Sacramento

Sacramento Charlotte
Population 524,943 874,579
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 49 26
Bike friendliness score 67 31
Crime Index 49.21 46.52
Safety Index 50.79 53.48
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Sacramento might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 40% less than Charlotte.
  • Sacramento offers better access to buses and trains than Charlotte, based on public transportation ratings. Sacramento has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Charlotte. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Sacramento means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charlotte. Sacramento is considered more walkable than Charlotte, with a score of 49 out of 100 versus 26 out of 100 in Charlotte. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Sacramento is considered more bike-friendly than Charlotte in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Sacramento has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while Charlotte is rated as 31 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Sacramento as Charlotte. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Sacramento is generally as safe as Charlotte, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Sacramento and Charlotte is generally the same (Moderate). 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 Charlotte vs. Sacramento move

  • Weather: Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toSacramento Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Sacramento

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Almond Capital of the World" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown Sacramento
  • East Sacramento
  • Land Park
  • Natomas Park
  • North Oak Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Boulevard Park
  • River Park
  • Land Park
  • East Sacramento
  • Natomas Park

Things to do in Sacramento

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

  • Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento, and California Automobile Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sutterโ€™s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley 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 Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship), or Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Sacramento?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charlotte to Sacramento are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charlotte are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Sacramento?

With many people choosing to move from Charlotte to Sacramento in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Charlotte to Sacramento take?

Moving from Charlotte, NC to Sacramento, CA covers 2,710 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Charlotte movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Sacramento.

Helpful moving resources