($516+) Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Charleston, SC, runs anywhere from $516 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,279 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 759 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,483, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,279 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,065 - $3,257, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $516 - $1,469.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Charleston, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,166 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

Moving options from Jersey City to Charleston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,166 - $4,957 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 37% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 73% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 759 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 759-mile route from Jersey City to Charleston, broken down by home size:

  • A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,483 - $3,902 with full-service movers, $1,065 - $1,898 with a container, $516 - $1,010 with a rental truck, or $958 - $1,675 by freight.
  • A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,166 - $4,957 full-service, $1,354 - $2,712 by container, $574 - $1,223 by rental truck, or $1,072 - $2,148 by freight.
  • A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,761 - $7,279 full-service, $1,797 - $3,257 by container, $690 - $1,469 by rental truck, or $1,423 - $2,633 by freight.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

Hiring full-service movers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Charleston, South Carolina, costs between $1,483 and $7,279. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 759-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $386 - $2,576, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Jersey City and Charleston. For a rough baseline, movers based in Jersey City tend to start around $256 plus $139/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Charleston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,483 - $3,902
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,166 - $4,957
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,761 - $7,279

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Jersey City to Charleston.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Charleston, 55% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing71% of local movers$644 - $6,440
Storage in transitNew place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage$258 - $1,546/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$386 - $3,091
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers$1,288 - $3,864
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,220 - $12,880
Car shippingSecond vehicle$965 - $1,833
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage$1,288 - $3,220
PianoAny piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage$1,030 - $4,508
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers$386 - $1,932
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ)$837 - $2,576
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$386 - $19,320+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$386 - $4,508+

What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Charleston?

South Carolina Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in South Carolina, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Jersey City, NJ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Charleston, South Carolina, cost between $1,065 and $3,257. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Jersey City typically costs about $130/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Charleston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $1,898
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,354 - $2,712
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,797 - $3,257

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $902 in Jersey City, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $97 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $193 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Charleston, SC, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to South Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,065. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,354 - $2,712.

What are the best moving containers Jersey City to Charleston?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Jersey City to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Jersey City:

  • Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
  • Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
  • Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

A rental truck for this 759-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Charleston, South Carolina, costs between $516 and $1,469. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $311 - $355
  • Daily insurance: $39/day
  • Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
  • Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Jersey City to Charleston based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $516 - $1,010
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $574 - $1,223
  • 4+ bedrooms: $690 - $1,469

Pro tip: A rental truck from Jersey City to Charleston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $516 - $1,469. But once you factor in fuel ($311 - $355), overnight lodging ($193/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $97 and $451.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $193.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $311 and $355 for the 759-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $902 for 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Charleston?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Charleston, South Carolina. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,159 and $2,148.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Charleston:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $958 - $1,675
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,072 - $2,148
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,423 - $2,633

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $97 and $193.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly five hours typically average $902.

What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Charleston?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Charleston fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ vs Charleston, SC

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Charleston, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Jersey City, NJ Charleston, SC
Cost of living index140112
Average rent$2,975/mo$2,500/mo
Median home value$538,163$468,536
Average income$94,813/yr$90,038/yr
Unemployment rate8.3%4.0%
State income taxUp to 10.7%Up to 7.0%
Walkability score87/10040/100
Safety index56.79/10055.03/100
Air qualityModerateGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston, SC to Jersey City, NJ guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to South Carolina, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Jersey alone has 315 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 759-mile move like this one.

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Our take

For a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Charleston, SC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,483 for a studio to $7,279 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 759-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,065 - $3,257. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $516 - $1,469, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,166 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina.

FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Charleston, SC

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($311 - $355), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $193/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $574 - $1,223. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Jersey City, NJ to Charleston, SC?

Costs on this route range from around $516 to $7,279, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,483 and $7,279, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Jersey City?

Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Charleston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.