($1,283) Movers From California to Charleston
Quick answer: The cost to move from California to Charleston, SC averages from $1,589 to $7,407 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Charleston, SC to California guide.
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Moving from California to Charleston, SC resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from California to Charleston, SC.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best California to Charleston, SC movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Charleston, SC.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- California to Charleston, SC car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.
Moving 2,596 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best California to Charleston, SC moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Charleston is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Charleston.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.
What is the average cost to move from California to Charleston, SC?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Charleston for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Size of the Move | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
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| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,283 - $5,547 | $1,303 - $3,209 | $1,468 - $2,678 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,844 - $7,407 | $2,431 - $4,914 | $1,589 - $3,253 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,736 - $12,296 | $3,317 - $6,819 | $1,853 - $3,910 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,596 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from California to Charleston, SC will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire professional movers from California to Charleston?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Charleston will cost between $1,283 to $5,547. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Charleston will range from $3,844 to $7,407, and a large move from California to Charleston will cost from $6,736 to $12,296.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Charleston?
Moving containers from California to Charleston will cost you $1,303 to $3,209 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,431 to $4,914. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,317 to $6,819.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Charleston.
How much is a moving truck from California to Charleston?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Charleston, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,468 to $2,678. A larger move will cost $1,589 to $3,253, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Charleston costs from $1,853 to $3,910. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California.
Is moving from California to Charleston, SC a good idea?
Cost of living: California vs Charleston, SC
| California | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $531,165 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $60,732 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 4% |
| State income tax | 13% | 7% |
Charleston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 35% more expensive in Charleston than in California.
- Home prices are about 31% lower in Charleston than in California.
- The average income is about 34% lower in Charleston than in California.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 26%.
- Income taxes are 47% lower in Charleston than in California.
How is life different in Charleston from California?
| Charleston | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 48" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 7" |
| Crime index | 18.0 | 28.43 |
Charleston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Charleston is approximately 100% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Charleston voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Charleston is 89ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Charleston reaches the temperature of 39ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Charleston vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Charleston, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Charleston has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 28.43 vs 18.0.
Considerations for moving to Charleston, SC
- Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401 (805) 544-6328 |
| Grace Moving Company | Get A Quote |
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800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351 (209) 551-7772 |
| Grizzly Moving | Get A Quote |
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7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA, 92121 (844) 474-9959 |
Visit our best movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Need a local Charleston mover?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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2532 Oscar Johnson Drive, Charleston, SC, 29405 (843) 202-4860 |
| Smooth Move Charleston | Get A Quote |
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4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29405 (843) 860-9717 |
| Low Country Moving, LLC | Get A Quote |
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1514 Mathis Ferry Rd #18, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464 (843) 737-1279 |
Visit our best movers in Charleston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Charleston?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Charleston.
Museums in Charleston
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- The Charleston Museum
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
- Confederate Museum
- The Best Friend Train Museum
- Postal Museum
- South Carolina Historical Society Museum
Parks in Charleston
- Middleton Place
- Battery & White Point Gardens
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
- Hampton Park
- Washington Square Colonial Lake
Sports Teams in Charleston
- Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League)
Universities in Charleston
- Charleston School of Law
- The Citadel College of Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina
FAQs
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Charleston?
Because of the 2596-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Charleston as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charleston, SC?
With the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 39ºF, most people move to Charleston from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Charleston during summer or winter.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Charleston?
Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Charleston.
