Moving from Amarillo, TX to Charleston, SC
A move from Amarillo, TX to Charleston, SC covers 1399 mi and around 25h 11m of driving through 8 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1399 mi Β· 25h 11m by car Β· TX β OK β AR β TN β MS β AL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β AR β TN β MS β AL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 20, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Little Rock, Memphis, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Charleston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 100.962 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 88.212 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 119.77 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.82 in Amarillo to 100.962 in Charleston, a 10.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Charleston: 10.0% above Amarillo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Charleston +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.3" |
Charleston runs 10.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (56.9Β°F vs 67.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, CHARLESTON CITY, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 152,014 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 35 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 35.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Charleston is 10.0% above Amarillo ($62,469 vs $90,038, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Charleston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 46,720 | $41,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,780 | $28,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 36,680 | $34,810 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,150 | $38,280 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,230 | $79,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and South Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Carolina's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in South Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Charleston compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $589,607 in Charleston vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 185.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Charleston, SC from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 1399 mi and the route typically takes 25h 11m via I 40 and I 20. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Charleston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1399 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Charleston compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,130 in the Charleston MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 374,860 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Charleston more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Charleston is 10.0% higher than Amarillo (100.962 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Charleston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Charleston vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 44.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Charleston, SC.