Best overall value
Factors influencing moving costs from Charleston to Austin
What to know before moving from Charleston to Austin
Moving from Charleston to Austin means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,765 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 29% lower than in Charleston, 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 Austin.
Home prices in Austin are 9.0% lower than in Charleston. - Income in Austin is 9.6% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Austin include Keller Williams Realty, Whole Foods Market, and Arrow Value Recovery.
- The cost of living for a single person in Austin is 36.9% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Austin and Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 12.50% lower than in Charleston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the cityโs sales taxes in Austin are 8.33% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,893.40 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Austin
| Austin | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 150,277 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 50 |
| Crime Index | 42.91 | 44.97 |
| Safety Index | 59.87 | 55.03 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 548% greater than Charleston.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
- Austin and Charleston are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Austin and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 59.87 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Austin move
- Weather: Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
- 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 Austin 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 Austin
With your sights set on "ATX", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
After settling into your new Texas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Austin is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, Blanton Museum of Art, and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls 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 Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Austin?
The best time to move from Charleston to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Austin 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 Charleston to Austin take?
The 1,248-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Austin, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
