($1,044) Moving from Columbus to Charleston

Quick answer: A move from Columbus to Charleston costs $372 to $5,143 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 345-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Columbus will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Columbus guide.

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The best Columbus to Charleston moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbus 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 Columbus to Charleston.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Charleston?

Columbus movers charge $140 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,044 - $3,254 $613 - $1,450 $336 - $637
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,673 - $5,143 $1,202 - $2,268 $372 - $733
4+ bedrooms $2,625 - $7,079 $1,438 - $2,743 $434 - $895
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 345 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Charleston

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Columbus to Charleston can be as low as $1,044 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,851.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $336 to $832. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbus to Charleston?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Charleston will cost between $1,044 to $3,254. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,673 to $5,143, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbus to Charleston will cost from $2,625 to $7,079.

How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Charleston?

Moving containers from Columbus to Charleston will cost you $613 to $1,450 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,202 to $2,268. A larger home will cost $1,438 to $2,743.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Charleston?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, 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 $336 to $637. A larger move will cost $372 to $733, and a four-bedroom move from Columbus to Charleston costs from $434 to $895. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbus to Charleston

Cost of living: Columbus vs Charleston

Columbus Charleston
Average rent cost $1,095 $2,500
Average home value $153,667 $531,165
Average income (per capita) $50,542 $60,732
Cost of Living (single person) $1,286 $1,055
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,228 $3,685
Unemployment rate 5.0% 4.0%
Sales Tax 9.0% 9.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 128% higher than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Charleston are 245.7% higher than in Columbus.
  • Income in Charleston is 20.2% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 18.0% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 14.2% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 20.00% lower than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Charleston and Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 21.74% higher than in Columbus.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,461.12 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus compared to Charleston?

Charleston Columbus
Population 150,277 206,922
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 2
Walkability score 40 25
Bike friendliness score 50 31
Crime Index 18.0 39.07
Safety Index 61.13 25.48
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 27% less than Columbus.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Columbus's higher score of 2.
  • Charleston is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
  • Charleston is more bike-friendly than Columbus with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Columbus's 31.
  • Charleston's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 18.0 compared to Columbus's 39.07. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 18.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 39.07%.
  • Charleston is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 61.13 vs Columbus's 25.48.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Considerations for moving to Charleston

  • 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: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Charleston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Columbus movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1421 Belfast Ave, Columbus, GA, 31904
(706) 352-9518
Apple Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
4949 Schatulga Road, Columbus, GA, 31907
(706) 561-1981

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbus page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Charleston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Holy City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Harleston Village
  • James Island
  • North Charleston
  • South of Broad West Ashley

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Mount Pleasant
  • Park Circle
  • Stiles Point
  • Summerville
  • Wagener Terrace

What to do in Charleston

These are some of the best things to do in your new South Carolina home.

  • City Market
  • Fort Sumter National Monument
  • James Island
  • Boone Hall
  • Waterfront Park
  • Dock Street Theater
  • South Carolina Aquarium
  • Magnolia Cemetery
  • Rainbow Row
  • Old Slave Mart

Get your sports on!

Charleston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League)

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Columbus to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Columbus to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Columbus to Charleston take?

The 345-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Charleston, SC, takes one-four days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources