Moving from Charleston, SC to Goodyear, AZ

Moving from Charleston, SC to Goodyear, AZ is a 2179 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 38h 50m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.

2179 mi Β· 38h 50m by car Β· SC β†’ GA β†’ AL β†’ MS β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ OK β†’ TX β†’ NM β†’ AZ

COL +2.3% Home values -20.4% Ξ” +6.7Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
2179 mi
Drive time
38h 50m
States
10
Fuel (25 mpg)
87 gal
Route throughSC β†’ GA β†’ AL β†’ MS β†’ TN β†’ AR β†’ OK β†’ TX β†’ NM β†’ AZ
Primary highwaysI 40, I 20, I 22
Major cities en routeNorth Charleston, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Birmingham

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

CharlestonGoodyearU.S. avg
All items (RPP)100.962103.316100.0
Rents88.21293.332100.0
Goods96.33995.024100.0
Services119.77121.236100.0

Goodyear and Charleston are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.962 vs 103.316); rent and services often drive the real difference.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Charleston β€” typical home
$589,607
Goodyear β€” typical home
$469,424
Charleston β€” typical rent
$2,165/mo
Goodyear β€” typical rent
$1,796/mo

Housing gap is large: Goodyear typical home at $469,424 is 2.3% under Charleston at $589,607 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Charleston +0.5%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsCharlestonGoodyear
Annual avg temperature67Β°F74Β°F
January avg low44Β°F43Β°F
July avg high88Β°F107Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation44.3"7.4"

Goodyear runs 6.7Β°F warmer on the annual average (67.2Β°F vs 73.9Β°F, NOAA 1991–2020).

Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHARLESTON CITY, SC US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023CharlestonGoodyear
Population152,014102,891
Median household income$90,038$101,814
Median age36.140.8
Bachelor's degree or higher35.5%22.2%
Avg household size2.292.87

Median household income in Goodyear is 2.3% above Charleston ($90,038 β†’ $101,814, ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Charleston MSA β€” median wage
$46,130
Goodyear MSA β€” median wage
$48,600
Charleston MSA β€” employment
374,860
Goodyear MSA β€” employment
2,289,130

Top occupations in Goodyear MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 314,170 $45,080
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 205,010 $34,400
Sales and Related Occupations 204,700 $37,700
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 199,140 $40,870
Management Occupations 170,690 $105,420

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between South Carolina and Arizona

South Carolina income tax
6.2% top marginal
Arizona income tax
2.5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 20–30% 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.
  • Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
  • I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
  • 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 Arizona after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Goodyear, AZ from Charleston, SC?

The driving distance is 2179 mi and the route typically takes 38h 50m via I 40 and I 20. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Charleston vs Goodyear?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $90,038 in Charleston β€” a 13.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Goodyear more expensive than Charleston?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 2.3% higher than Charleston (103.316 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Charleston?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $589,607 in Charleston β€” a 20.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

When is the best time to move from Charleston to Goodyear?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2179 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 Goodyear compare to Charleston?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $46,130 in the Charleston MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 374,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Charleston.

City profiles: Charleston, SC Β· Goodyear, AZ.

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