Des Moines, IA to Charleston, SC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Charleston typically costs $3,100–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,200 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Charleston
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Charleston, SC typically costs $3,100–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,200-mile move from Des Moines to Charleston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,107 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,752 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,610 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 06, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Charleston
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Charleston may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($900–$2,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Charleston, SC to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Charleston movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Charleston
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Charleston. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IA→SC movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Charleston runs about 180% higher for singles and 80% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Charleston versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 117% more expensive in Charleston than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 191% steeper in Charleston compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 7% greater in Charleston than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 180% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 80% higher than in Des Moines.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 32%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Des Moines by 29%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 59% more in South Carolina than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Charleston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Des Moines than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Charleston.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Charleston
| Des Moines | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 50 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 79% less than Des Moines.
- Charleston's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 44.97 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Charleston and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 57.8.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, 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 Charleston. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on The Holy City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — 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 Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Charleston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Charleston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Charleston? 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 Des Moines to Charleston take?
The 1,200-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Charleston, SC, takes two to eight days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
