Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Tampa move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Tampa can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 10 top local movers in Charleston who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charleston to Tampa.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Tampa?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $996 – $2,940 | $673 – $1,569 | $369 – $721 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,759 – $4,908 | $1,112 – $2,115 | $414 – $814 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,029 – $6,421 | $1,461 – $2,933 | $525 – $998 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Tampa
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Tampa from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $996 and $2,940. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,759 to $4,908 for the trip from Charleston to Tampa. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,029 and $6,421.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Tampa
Moving containers from Charleston to Tampa will cost you $673 to $1,569 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,112 to $2,115. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,461 to $2,933. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Tampa
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Tampa typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $369 and $721 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $414 to $814. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $525 to $998.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Tampa move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,381 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,557 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Charleston.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $369 to $846, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Tampa
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Tampa runs about -39% higher for singles and 3% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,232 in Charleston versus $5,300 in Charleston; families pay $8,108 compared with $7,890.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,967 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,616 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $371,271 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $66,802 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $3,232 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $8,108 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- When relocating from Charleston to Tampa, expect to find rent about 23% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 34% more affordable in Tampa compared to Charleston.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 7% higher in Tampa compared to Charleston, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Tampa, as the cost of living for a single person is 39% lower compared to Charleston.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Tampa and Charleston, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Tampa shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charleston by around 25%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 28% less in Tampa relative to Charleston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and Tampa:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $71.60 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.59 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $38.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Tampa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Tampa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Tampa.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Tampa.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Tampa.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Tampa.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Tampa.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Tampa
| Charleston | Tampa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 403,364 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 51 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 46.15 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 53.85 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Tampa’s population is about 168% greater than Charleston.
- Tampa’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Tampa is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Both Tampa and Charleston have similar bike-friendliness scores (50 vs 51), meaning Tampa is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Tampa and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 46.15 and 44.97, respectively.
- Tampa and Charleston have a similar safety level, with scores of 53.85 and 55.03.
- Air quality in Tampa is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Tampa move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tampa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Tampa
Planning your move to The Big Guava? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Tampa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Channel District
- Courier City-Oscawana
- Downtown
- Historic Ybor
- North Hyde Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bayshore Beautiful
- Bayshore Gardens
- Beach Park
- Oakford Park
- Sunset Park
Things to do in Tampa
After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Tampa has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Tampa features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Glazer Children’s Museum, Henry B. Plant Museum, Tampa Bay History Center, and Museum of Science and Industry.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lettuce Lake Regional Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Sparkman Wharf, and Ballast Point Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Vipers (XFL)Tampa Bay Titans (TBL)Tampa Bay Rowdies (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Tampa?
Planning your move from Charleston to Tampa? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Tampa?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Tampa 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 Charleston to Tampa take?
The 435-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Tampa, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Tampa.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charleston?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charleston, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 4 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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