Moving from Carrollton, TX to Charleston, SC
Relocating 1093 mi from Carrollton to Charleston is a 20h 13m drive through 6 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.
1093 mi Β· 20h 13m by car Β· SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β GA β AL β MS β LA β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | North Charleston, Columbia, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carrollton | Charleston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 100.962 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 88.212 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 119.77 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.09 vs 100.962 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $406,040 to $589,607 moving to Charleston.
YoY change: Carrollton -4.6%, Charleston +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carrollton | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 44.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Carrollton (65.8Β°F) and Charleston (67.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, CHARLESTON CITY, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carrollton | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 132,741 | 152,014 |
| Median household income | $99,115 | $90,038 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 36.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 35.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.1% lower in Charleston than Carrollton.
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.
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 does household income compare in Carrollton vs Charleston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,038 in Charleston vs $99,115 in Carrollton β a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Charleston compared to Carrollton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $589,607 in Charleston vs $406,040 in Carrollton β a 45.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Charleston compare to Carrollton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,130 in the Charleston MSA vs $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA, on total employment of 374,860 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Carrollton to Charleston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1093 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Charleston, SC from Carrollton, TX?
The driving distance is 1093 mi and the route typically takes 20h 13m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Charleston more expensive than Carrollton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Charleston is 2.1% lower than Carrollton (100.962 vs 103.09, 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 Carrollton.
City profiles: Carrollton, TX Β· Charleston, SC.