Factors influencing moving costs from Greenville to Charleston
What to know before moving from Greenville to Charleston
Moving from Greenville 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 Greenville than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Greenville compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Greenville | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,551 | $875 |
Average home value | $317,341 | $153,672 |
Average income (per capita) | $72,000 | $59,354 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,090 | $1,549 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,352 | $3,862 |
Unemployment rate | 2.7% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 44% lower than in Greenville, 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 51.6% lower than in Greenville. - Income in Charleston is 17.6% lower than in Greenville, so you could earn less 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 49.9% lower than in Greenville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 47.5% lower than in Greenville.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 129.63% higher than in Greenville.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโs sales taxes in Charleston are 16.67% higher than in Greenville.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 7.14% lower than in Greenville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,503.88 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Greenville.
How life is different in Greenville vs. Charleston
Charleston | Greenville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 70,720 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 33 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 49 |
Crime Index | 53.94 | 38.56 |
Safety Index | 46.06 | 61.44 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 32% less than Greenville.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Greenville's higher score of 3.
- Charleston is less walkable than Greenville with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Greenville's 43 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 28 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Greenville, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is higher than Greenville with a score of 53.94 compared to Greenville's 38.56. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Greenville neighborhoods are safer than 38.56%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Greenville with a score of 46.06 vs Greenville's 61.44.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Greenville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Greenville 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: 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in West Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While West Virginia 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 Charleston 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. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on "Charlie West", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
After settling into your new West Virginia home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Greenville to Charleston?
The best time to move from Greenville to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Greenville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Greenville to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Greenville 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 Greenville to Charleston take?
The 360-mile move from Greenville, SC, to Charleston, WV, takes one to four days. Some Greenville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.