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Top local movers for San Antonio to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in San Antonio that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 29 local movers in San Antonio who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from San Antonio to Charleston.
- Swift Movers LLC: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Evolution Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Arrow Moving & Storage Company Inc: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 006903095C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2632638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006779351C
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2467590
Alternate Names: Evolution Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- 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 #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006630542C
Years in Business: 55
DOT #: 22889
Alternate Names: Arrow Moving & Storage Co., Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio 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 | $1,248 – $4,661 | $876 – $2,305 | $758 – $1,551 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,704 – $6,284 | $1,634 – $3,223 | $853 – $1,882 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,459 – $8,248 | $2,215 – $4,322 | $1,029 – $2,120 |
Cost to hire movers from San Antonio to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Antonio to Charleston typically costs between $1,248 and $4,661. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,704 and $6,284 when moving from San Antonio to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Antonio to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,459 up to $8,248.
Cost of moving containers from San Antonio to Charleston
If you’re relocating from San Antonio to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $876 and $2,305 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,634 up to $3,223. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,215 and $4,322. 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 San Antonio to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Antonio 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 $758 and $1,551. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $853 to $1,882. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,029 and $2,120.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Antonio to Charleston
The cost of San Antonio movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Antonio to Charleston might be as low as $2,367, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,377.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Antonio.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $758 to $2,058 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from San Antonio to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 142% higher for singles and 60% higher for families than San Antonio.
Singles spend around $5,300 in San Antonio versus $2,194 in San Antonio; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,931.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Antonio | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,471 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,533 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $249,398 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,451 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,194 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,931 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 67% higher in Charleston than in San Antonio, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 124% higher in Charleston than in San Antonio.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Charleston and San Antonio, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 142% greater than in San Antonio. 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 60% more than it is in San Antonio.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Charleston and San Antonio, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes in Charleston exceed those in San Antonio 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 San Antonio and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Antonio | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.99 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.64 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.65 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.01 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $42.93 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Antonio than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Antonio than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in San Antonio than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in San Antonio than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Antonio than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in San Antonio than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Antonio than in Charleston.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. Charleston
| San Antonio | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 45 | 50 |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 51.94 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 90% less than San Antonio.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than San Antonio’s score of 6.
- Charleston is more walkable than San Antonio with a score of 40 out of 100 vs San Antonio’s 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than San Antonio, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than San Antonio with a score of 44.97 compared to San Antonio’s 48.06. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than San Antonio with a safety index of 55.03 vs San Antonio’s 51.94.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in San Antonio it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Antonio to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Antonio.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Antonio to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Charleston take?
Covering 1,279 miles, the move from San Antonio, TX to Charleston, typically takes three to eight days. Some San Antonio movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Antonio offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 4 movers provide military discounts. 4 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 San Antonio can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Antonio, 19 movers can handle pianos. 13 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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