Moving from Charleston, SC to Clarksville, TN
Relocating 593 mi from Charleston to Clarksville is a 11h 19m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
593 mi Β· 11h 19m by car Β· TN β NC β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β NC β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 26, I 40, US 74 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Columbia, North Charleston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Charleston | Clarksville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.962 | 90.947 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.212 | 72.546 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 119.77 | 73.801 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.9% cheaper overall in Clarksville than Charleston on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Charleston +0.5%, Clarksville -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Charleston | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.3" | 53.5" |
Expect 8.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Clarksville β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHARLESTON CITY, SC US, CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Charleston | Clarksville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 152,014 | 171,897 |
| Median household income | $90,038 | $66,786 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 30.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.5% | 18.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.65 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.9% β $90,038 β $66,786 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Clarksville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 12,310 | $37,690 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,100 | $27,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,880 | $30,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 8,830 | $37,170 |
| Production Occupations | 8,750 | $43,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Carolina and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Clarksville averages 53.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Clarksville, TN from Charleston, SC?
The driving distance is 593 mi and the route typically takes 11h 19m via I 26 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Clarksville compare to Charleston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA vs $46,130 in the Charleston MSA, on total employment of 96,210 and 374,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Charleston vs Clarksville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,786 in Clarksville vs $90,038 in Charleston β a 25.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Clarksville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 593 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Clarksville compared to Charleston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $318,206 in Clarksville vs $589,607 in Charleston β a 46.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Clarksville more expensive than Charleston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Clarksville is 9.9% lower than Charleston (90.947 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Charleston.
City profiles: Charleston, SC Β· Clarksville, TN.