Factors that influence moving costs from Charlotte to Houstontoggle

The cost of Charlotte movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charlotte to Houston might cost as little as $1,296, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,839.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charlotte, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $843 to $2,059. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Charlotte to Houston

Moving from Charlotte to Houston 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 Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Charlotte Houston
Average rent cost $1,790 $1,549
Average home value $391,658 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $64,814 $69,833
Cost of living (single person) $3,158 $2,770
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,325 $7,157
Unemployment rate 3.3% 4.1%
Sales tax 7.25% 8.25%
State income tax 4.5% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Houston are 14% lower than in Charlotte, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
    Home prices in Houston are 32.6% lower than in Charlotte.
  • Income in Houston is 7.7% higher than in Charlotte, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston include H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Houston is 12.3% lower than in Charlotte. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Houston is 14.0% lower than in Charlotte.
  • The unemployment rate in Houston is 24.24% higher than in Charlotte.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Houston are 13.79% higher than in Charlotte.
  • One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charlotte.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,631.41 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.

How life is different in Charlotte vs. Houston

Houston Charlotte
Population 2,301,572 874,579
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 47 26
Bike friendliness score 49 31
Crime Index 63.5 46.52
Safety Index 36.5 53.48
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Houston's population is about 163% greater than Charlotte.
  • Houston's public transportation has a similar score to Charlotte.
  • Houston is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
  • With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston is more bike-friendly than Charlotte, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Houston's crime rate is higher than Charlotte with a score of 63.5 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
  • Houston is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 36.5 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
  • Air quality in Houston is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Charlotte vs. Houston move

  • Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
  • 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Texas, 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 toHouston Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Houston

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Greenway/Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clear Lake City
  • Friendswood
  • Kingwood
  • Memorial
  • Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

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

  • Arts and culture: Houston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Childrenโ€™s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial 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 Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charlotte to Houston. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charlotte.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charlotte to Houston, 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 Charlotte to Houston take?

The 1,037-mile journey from Charlotte, NC to Houston, TX typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Charlotte offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Houston.

Helpful moving resources