Top local movers for Virginia Beach to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Virginia Beach that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 19 local movers in Virginia Beach who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Virginia Beach to Charleston.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- A Friendly & Affordable Mover: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Tidal Town Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3320644
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3786641
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Of Newport News, LLC
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 #: 3239170
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 3239170
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 4033059
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Virginia Beach to Charleston?
Movers in Virginia generally charge an average of $161 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,062 – $2,871 | $669 – $1,620 | $401 – $746 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,897 – $4,515 | $1,196 – $2,347 | $393 – $885 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,186 – $6,879 | $1,636 – $2,806 | $527 – $1,035 |
Cost to hire movers from Virginia Beach to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia Beach to Charleston typically costs between $1,062 and $2,871. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,897 and $4,515 when moving from Virginia Beach to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Virginia Beach to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,186 up to $6,879.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia Beach to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Virginia Beach to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $669 and $1,620 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,196 up to $2,347. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,636 and $2,806. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia Beach to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Virginia Beach to Charleston move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $401 and $746. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $393 to $885. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $527 and $1,035.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Virginia Beach to Charleston
The cost of Virginia Beach movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Virginia Beach to Charleston might be as low as $1,459, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,709.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Virginia Beach.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $401 to $969 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 17% higher for singles and 34% higher for families than Virginia Beach.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Virginia Beach versus $4,533 in Virginia Beach; families pay $7,890 compared with $5,910.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Virginia Beach | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,776 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,233 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $402,391 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,810 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,533 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,910 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 28% higher in Charleston than in Virginia Beach, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 39% higher in Charleston than in Virginia Beach.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 24% lower in Charleston than in Virginia Beach.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 17% greater than in Virginia Beach. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Charleston, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 34% more than it is in Virginia Beach.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 17% lower than Virginia Beach, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in Virginia Beach by 50%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 22% higher in South Carolina than in Virginia. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Virginia Beach and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Virginia Beach | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $173.67 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.33 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.66 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.93 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.00 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Virginia Beach than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Virginia Beach than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Virginia Beach than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Virginia Beach than in Charleston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Virginia Beach than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Virginia Beach than in Charleston.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Charleston
| Virginia Beach | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,672 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 50 |
| Crime index | 42.0 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 58.0 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 67% less than Virginia Beach.
- Charleston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Virginia Beach, making them very similar.
- Charleston is more walkable than Virginia Beach with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Virginia Beach’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Virginia Beach with a score of 44.97 compared to Virginia Beach’s 42.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
- Charleston and Virginia Beach have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 58.0.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Virginia Beach it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach to Charleston move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to The Holy City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Things to do in Charleston
Now that you’ve made the move to South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Virginia Beach to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Virginia Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Virginia Beach to Charleston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Virginia Beach to Charleston take?
Covering 455 miles, the move from Virginia Beach, VA to Charleston, typically takes one to four days. Some Virginia Beach movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Virginia Beach offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Virginia Beach can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Virginia Beach, 16 movers can handle pianos. 9 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of VA, there are 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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