Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Austin moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Austin can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 10 local movers in Charleston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charleston to Austin.
- 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 Austin?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,125 – $4,385 | $861 – $2,306 | $787 – $1,429 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,505 – $5,794 | $1,637 – $3,291 | $834 – $1,647 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,442 – $8,269 | $2,067 – $4,191 | $1,050 – $2,030 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Austin
When planning a move to Austin from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,125 and $4,385. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,505 and $5,794 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,442 to $8,269.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Austin
When you’re heading from Charleston to Austin, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $861 and $2,306. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,637 and $3,291. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,067 to $4,191. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Austin
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Austin is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $787 to $1,429. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $834 to $1,647, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Austin costs around $1,050 to $2,030.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Austin
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Austin may only cost $2,256, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,850.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($787–$1,972), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Austin
Many movers find Austin easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 37% less for singles and 1% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,345 for one person in Austin versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $7,815 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 29% less expensive in Austin than in Charleston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 9% cheaper in Austin than in Charleston.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 10% greater in Austin than in Charleston, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Austin. The cost of living for a single person there is 37% below that of Charleston.
- The cost of living for a family between Austin and Charleston remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Austin has a lower unemployment rate than Charleston by about 13%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 8% cheaper in Austin compared to Charleston. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Austin:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Austin, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Austin.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Austin.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Austin.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Austin.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Austin.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Austin.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Austin
| Charleston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 54 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin’s population is about 548% greater than Charleston.
- Austin’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Austin and Charleston are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Austin and Charleston have a similar crime rate with scores of 42.91 and 44.97, respectively.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 59.87 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Austin move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Austin are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Texas, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Austin. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Austin
With your sights set on ATX, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Austin. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Austin is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Austin?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Austin. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Austin?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Austin? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Austin take?
The 1,249-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Austin, , takes two to eight days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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