($486+) Akron, OH to Charleston, SC Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Charleston, SC, runs anywhere from $486 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,117 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $1,584, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,117 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,032 - $3,162, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $486 - $1,267.
- 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 $2,139 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Akron to Charleston: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,139 - $5,479. Moving containers run about 37% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 76% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 685-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,584 - $4,156, container $1,032 - $1,906, rental truck $486 - $881, freight trailer $929 - $1,683.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,139 - $5,479, container $1,337 - $2,641, rental truck $508 - $1,112, freight trailer $1,091 - $2,011.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,855 - $8,117, container $1,755 - $3,162, rental truck $687 - $1,267, freight trailer $1,376 - $2,583.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
Full-service movers for the 685-mile relocation from Akron, Ohio, to Charleston, South Carolina, cost between $1,584 and $8,117. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $280 - $1,868, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Akron typically charge a base rate around $199 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,584 - $4,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,139 - $5,479
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,855 - $8,117
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.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
Specialty needs vary by market: 64% of Akron movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Charleston, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing83% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready64% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% 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 items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in South Carolina are typically members of the South Carolina Trucking Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 $1,032 and $3,162. 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: $1,032 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,337 - $2,641
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,755 - $3,162
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $70 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $140 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $654 in Akron, OH, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Charleston, SC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,032. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,337 - $2,641.
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:
- Summit Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 69 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 30 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Charleston, SC
A rental truck for this 685-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Charleston, South Carolina, costs between $486 and $1,267. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $486 - $881
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $508 - $1,112
- 4+ bedrooms: $687 - $1,267
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $486 - $1,267 when pricing out a rental truck from Akron to Charleston. Fuel alone runs $204 - $233, and overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $140 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $61 and $304 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $204 - $233 in fuel for the 685-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $654 in Akron, Ohio, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
For larger DIY moves from Akron, Ohio, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Charleston, South Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,091 and $2,011.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $929 - $1,683
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,011
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,583
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $70 - $140 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $654.
What are the best freight companies from Akron to Charleston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Akron to Charleston. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to South Carolina, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 282 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 685-mile move.
Our take
A move from Akron, OH, to Charleston, SC, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,584 - $8,117 on the 685-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,032 - $3,162, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $486 - $1,267. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,139 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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
How walkable is Charleston?
Charleston has a walkability score of 40 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 50, compared to 48 and 43 in Akron. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
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.
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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.