Top local movers for Charleston to Houston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Houston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 10 local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Houston.
- 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 Houston?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 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 | $1,091 – $4,285 | $815 – $2,031 | $678 – $1,313 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,528 – $5,440 | $1,507 – $3,008 | $725 – $1,625 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,841 – $7,369 | $2,159 – $3,848 | $966 – $1,958 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Houston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Houston typically costs between $1,091 and $4,285. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,528 and $5,440 when moving from Charleston to Houston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Houston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,841 up to $7,369.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Houston
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Houston, you’ll typically spend between $815 and $2,031 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,507 up to $3,008. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,159 and $3,848. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Houston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Houston 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 $678 and $1,313. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $725 to $1,625. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $966 and $1,958.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Houston
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Houston might be as low as $2,229, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,549.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $678 to $1,740 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Houston
Many movers find Houston easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 48% less for singles and 9% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,770 for one person in Houston versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $7,157 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Houston from Charleston, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 38% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 53% cheaper in Houston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 12% higher in Houston than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Houston. The cost of living for a single person is 48% less compared to Charleston.
- Relocating to Houston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 9% lower than in Charleston.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Houston and Charleston, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are 8% lower in Houston than Charleston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Texas 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Houston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Houston.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Houston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Houston
| Charleston | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 49 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 1432% greater than Charleston.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Houston is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Both Houston and Charleston have similar bike-friendliness scores (50 vs 49), meaning Houston 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.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 63.5 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 36.5 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Houston 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Texas, 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 Houston 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. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Houston
Ready to relocate to HOU? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Now that you’ve made the move to Texas, it’s the perfect time to explore Houston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Houston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial 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 Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Houston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Houston?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Houston 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 Charleston to Houston take?
Covering 1,085 miles, the move from Charleston, SC to Houston, typically takes two to eight days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Houston can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Houston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 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
Charleston moving services
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