Moving from Memphis, TN to Charleston, SC
A move from Memphis, TN to Charleston, SC covers 671 mi and around 12h 40m of driving through 5 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.
671 mi Β· 12h 40m by car Β· TN β MS β AL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β MS β AL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 78, I 26 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Charleston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 100.962 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 88.212 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 119.77 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.5% pricier overall in Charleston than Memphis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Charleston typical home at $589,607 is 9.5% above Memphis at $144,710 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Charleston +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 44.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.4Β°F vs 67.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, CHARLESTON CITY, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 152,014 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 35.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Charleston is 9.5% above Memphis ($51,211 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 Tennessee 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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Charleston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 671 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 Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,130 in the Charleston MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 374,860 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Charleston, SC from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 671 mi and the route typically takes 12h 40m via I 20 and US 78. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Charleston more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Charleston is 9.5% higher than Memphis (100.962 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Charleston compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $589,607 in Charleston vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 307.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Charleston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Charleston vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 75.8% 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Charleston, SC.