Top local movers for Houston to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Houston that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 49 local movers in Houston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Houston to Charleston.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Charleston?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 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 | $1,135 – $4,649 | $807 – $2,114 | $664 – $1,300 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,584 – $5,840 | $1,583 – $3,039 | $732 – $1,562 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,294 – $7,749 | $2,035 – $4,008 | $947 – $1,882 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Charleston typically costs between $1,135 and $4,649. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,584 and $5,840 when moving from Houston to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Houston to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,294 up to $7,749.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Houston to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $807 and $2,114 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,583 up to $3,039. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,035 and $4,008. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Houston 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 $664 and $1,300. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $732 to $1,562. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $947 and $1,882.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Houston to Charleston
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Houston to Charleston might be as low as $2,391, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,958.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Houston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $664 to $1,740 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Houston to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 91% higher for singles and 10% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $7,890 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 61% higher in Charleston than in Houston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 112% higher in Charleston than in Houston.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 11% lower in Charleston than in Houston.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 91% greater than in Houston. 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 10% more than it is in Houston.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Charleston and Houston, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in Houston by 9%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Houston and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Houston | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Houston than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Houston than in Charleston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Charleston
| Houston | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 50 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 93% less than Houston.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Houston’s score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Houston with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- Both Charleston and Houston have similar bike-friendliness scores (49 vs 50), meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Houston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 44.97 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 55.03 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston 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 Houston to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Houston 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 Houston to Charleston take?
Covering 1,084 miles, the move from Houston, TX to Charleston, typically takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Houston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Houston can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Houston, 27 movers can handle pianos. 15 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 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.
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