Moving from Concord, NC to Charleston, SC
The 223 mi from Concord to Charleston translate to about 4h 24m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
223 mi Β· 4h 24m by car Β· SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 26, I 77, US 21 |
| Major cities en route | North Charleston, Columbia, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Charleston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 100.962 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 88.212 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 119.77 | 100.0 |
Charleston and Concord are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.348 vs 100.962); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Charleston typical home at $589,607 is 3.7% above Concord at $382,592 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -1.9%, Charleston +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 29Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 44.3" |
Climate warms by 6.5Β°F on the annual average β 60.7Β°F β 67.2Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD, NC US, CHARLESTON CITY, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,518 | 152,014 |
| Median household income | $84,752 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.3% | 35.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.29 |
Income steps up 3.7%: $84,752 in Concord vs $90,038 in Charleston.
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 North Carolina 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 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
- 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 far is Charleston, SC from Concord, NC?
The driving distance is 223 mi and the route typically takes 4h 24m via I 26 and I 77. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Charleston compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,130 in the Charleston MSA vs $47,830 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 374,860 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Concord to Charleston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 223 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Charleston more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Charleston is 3.7% higher than Concord (100.962 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Charleston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Charleston vs $84,752 in Concord β a 6.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Charleston compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $589,607 in Charleston vs $382,592 in Concord β a 54.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Concord.
City profiles: Concord, NC Β· Charleston, SC.