Moving from North Charleston, SC to Lee's Summit, MO
Relocating 1088 mi from North Charleston to Lee's Summit is a 20h 24m 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.
1088 mi Β· 20h 24m by car Β· SC β NC β TN β KY β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β NC β TN β KY β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 26, I 70, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Charleston, Columbia, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| North Charleston | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.962 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.212 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 119.77 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.3% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Lee's Summit at 92.543 vs North Charleston at 100.962.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $309,522 to $390,166 moving to Lee's Summit.
YoY change: North Charleston -2.5%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | North Charleston | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 38.3" |
Expect 10.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHARLESTON INTL AP, SC US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | North Charleston | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,460 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $62,789 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.2% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.3% β $62,789 β $104,989 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Carolina and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than North Charleston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 8.3% lower than North Charleston (92.543 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to North Charleston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $309,522 in North Charleston β a 26.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in North Charleston vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $62,789 in North Charleston β a 67.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from North Charleston, SC?
The driving distance is 1088 mi and the route typically takes 20h 24m via I 26 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from North Charleston to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1088 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 Lee's Summit compare to North Charleston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $46,130 in the North Charleston MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 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 North Charleston.
City profiles: North Charleston, SC Β· Lee's Summit, MO.