Top-rated movers to make your Charleston to Cincinnati move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charleston that offers long-distance services to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati.
- 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 Cincinnati?
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 | $1,047 – $3,413 | $675 – $1,715 | $458 – $813 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,912 – $4,955 | $1,231 – $2,518 | $519 – $1,016 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,398 – $7,340 | $1,610 – $3,160 | $611 – $1,288 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Cincinnati
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Cincinnati from Charleston, you can expect prices to land between $1,047 and $3,413. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,912 to $4,955 for the trip from Charleston to Cincinnati. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,398 and $7,340.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Cincinnati
Moving containers from Charleston to Cincinnati will cost you $675 to $1,715 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,231 to $2,518. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,610 to $3,160. 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 Cincinnati
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Cincinnati typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $458 and $813 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $519 to $1,016. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $611 to $1,288.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Cincinnati move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,633 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,529 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 $458 to $1,104, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Cincinnati
Many movers find Cincinnati easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 53% less for singles and 19% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,467 for one person in Cincinnati versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,418 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,488 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $2,893 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $232,735 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $65,682 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,467 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,418 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- When relocating from Charleston to Cincinnati, expect to find rent about 42% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 58% more affordable in Cincinnati compared to Charleston.
- In terms of average income, Cincinnati and Charleston are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Cincinnati, as the cost of living for a single person is 53% lower compared to Charleston.
- A move to Cincinnati can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 19% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- Cincinnati shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Charleston by around 23%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 28% less in Cincinnati relative to Charleston. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Ohio are 50% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Charleston and Cincinnati:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $56.81 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.30 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $30.82 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Cincinnati
| Charleston | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 309,317 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 36 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 48.47 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 49.53 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Cincinnati’s population is about 106% greater than Charleston.
- Cincinnati’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Cincinnati is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Cincinnati has a bike-friendliness score of 36 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Cincinnati’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 48.47 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Cincinnati is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 49.53 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Cincinnati is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Cincinnati 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Ohio’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Ohio 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 Cincinnati. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Cincinnati
Planning your move to The Blue Chip City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Cincinnati.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Business District
- Clifton
- Columbia-Tusculum
- Oakley
- Over-The-Rhine
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hyde Park
- Mount Adams
- Mount Lookout
- Oakley
- Pleasant Ridge
Things to do in Cincinnati
After settling into your new Ohio home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Cincinnati has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cincinnati features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, and Betts House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden 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 Cincinnati Reds (MLB)Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)FC Cincinnati (MLS)Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)Florence Y’alls (Frontier League)FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS Next Pro) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Cincinnati?
Planning your move from Charleston to Cincinnati? 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 Cincinnati?
Because most people are moving from Charleston to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati take?
The 620-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Cincinnati, , typically takes one to six 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 Cincinnati.
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
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