Moving from Wilmington, NC to Charleston, SC
The 174 mi from Wilmington to Charleston translate to about 4h 3m 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.
174 mi Β· 4h 3m by car Β· SC β NC
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, SC 31, US HIGHWAY 17 BYPASS SOUTH |
| Major cities en route | North Charleston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wilmington | Charleston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.422 | 100.962 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.902 | 88.212 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 93.215 | 119.77 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Wilmington (96.422) and Charleston (100.962) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Charleston: 4.7% above Wilmington on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wilmington -1.4%, Charleston +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wilmington | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 44.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WILMINGTON INTL AP, NC US, CHARLESTON CITY, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wilmington | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,578 | 152,014 |
| Median household income | $63,900 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 35.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.15 | 2.29 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.7% between Wilmington and Charleston (ACS 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 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
When is the best time to move from Wilmington to Charleston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 174 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 Charleston compared to Wilmington?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $589,607 in Charleston vs $416,159 in Wilmington β a 41.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Charleston more expensive than Wilmington?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Charleston is 4.7% higher than Wilmington (100.962 vs 96.422, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Charleston compare to Wilmington?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,130 in the Charleston MSA vs $43,250 in the Wilmington MSA, on total employment of 374,860 and 142,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Charleston, SC from Wilmington, NC?
The driving distance is 174 mi and the route typically takes 4h 3m via US 17 and SC 31. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Wilmington vs Charleston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Charleston vs $63,900 in Wilmington β a 40.9% 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 Wilmington.
City profiles: Wilmington, NC Β· Charleston, SC.