($525+) Akron, OH to Charleston, SC Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Charleston, SC, runs anywhere from $504 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,095 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 685 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,679, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,095 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,073 - $3,528, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $504 - $1,471.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Charleston, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,435 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
Moving options from Akron to Charleston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,435 - $6,228 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 685 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 685-mile route from Akron to Charleston, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,679 - $4,361 with full-service movers, $1,073 - $1,943 with a container, $504 - $934 with a rental truck, or $1,004 - $1,714 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,435 - $6,228 full-service, $1,376 - $2,584 by container, $572 - $1,203 by rental truck, or $1,146 - $2,261 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,254 - $8,095 full-service, $1,823 - $3,528 by container, $722 - $1,471 by rental truck, or $1,547 - $2,907 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 685-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Charleston, South Carolina, with costs ranging from $1,679 - $8,095. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $280 - $1,868. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Akron and Charleston. Local movers in Akron typically start around $199 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,679 - $4,361
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,435 - $6,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,254 - $8,095
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Akron to Charleston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to South Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Akron movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Charleston, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $934 - $2,802 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,335 - $9,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $700 - $1,329 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $607 - $1,868 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $14,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,269+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Charleston?
Look for South Carolina Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in South Carolina beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Akron, OH. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Charleston, South Carolina, cost between $1,073 and $3,528. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Akron costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,073 - $1,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,584
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,823 - $3,528
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Akron, OH and Charleston, SC. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $654 in Akron, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $140 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to South Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,073. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,376 - $2,584, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Akron to Charleston?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Akron to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Akron:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 29 years in business
- Move It Now (4.8/5), 16 years in business
- Move For Less, LLC (4.4/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 685 miles from Akron, Ohio, to Charleston, South Carolina, running $504 - $1,471. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $204 - $233
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Akron daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Akron to Charleston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $504 - $934
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $572 - $1,203
- 4+ bedrooms: $722 - $1,471
Pro tip: A rental truck from Akron to Charleston looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $504 - $1,471. But once you factor in fuel ($204 - $233) , overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $204 - $233 for the 685-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $654.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 685-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $140 per night, adding $280 - $420 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $280.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron to Charleston?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
If you're moving a larger household from Akron, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Charleston, South Carolina.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,146 and $2,261.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,004 - $1,714
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,146 - $2,261
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,547 - $2,907
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $654.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $140 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Akron to Charleston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Miller Transfer (4.84/5 stars): Miller Transfer is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Akron, OH vs Charleston, SC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Charleston, side by side with Akron on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Akron, OH | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 81 | 112 |
| Average rent | $950/mo | $2,500/mo |
| Median home value | $111,626 | $468,536 |
| Average income | $48,544/yr | $90,038/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 7.0% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 40/100 |
| Safety index | 50.39/100 | 55.03/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston, SC to Akron, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to South Carolina, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Ohio alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 685-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 685-mile move from Akron, OH, to Charleston, SC, costs between $1,679 and $8,095 with full-service movers, $1,073 - $3,528 with a moving container, and $504 - $1,471 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,435 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina.
FAQs: Moving from Akron, OH, to Charleston, SC
What do local movers charge in Akron?
Local movers based in Akron typically start around $199 as a base rate, plus $80/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Charleston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Charleston?
For families, Mount Pleasant, Park Circle, and Stiles Point are worth a look in Charleston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Harleston Village, James Island, and North Charleston tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $572 - $1,203. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Charleston a safe place to live?
Charleston has a safety index of 55.03 out of 100 and a crime index of 44.97, compared to 50.39 and 5.0 in Akron. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 45% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
