Highly rated local moving companies for St. Louis to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from St. Louis to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 13 local movers in St. Louis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from St. Louis to Charleston.
- Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Simple Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2969512
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 714664
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1653733
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1653733
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 987335
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 987335
Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Louis to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Missouri charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,189 – $4,245 | $808 – $1,887 | $593 – $1,140 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,352 – $5,360 | $1,340 – $2,812 | $602 – $1,251 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,808 – $7,519 | $1,802 – $3,679 | $755 – $1,645 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Louis to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from St. Louis, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,189 and $4,245. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,352 and $5,360 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,808 to $7,519.
Cost of moving containers from St. Louis to Charleston
When you’re heading from St. Louis to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $808 and $1,887. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,340 and $2,812. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,802 to $3,679. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Missouri easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Charleston
A moving rental truck from St. Louis to Charleston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $593 to $1,140. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $602 to $1,251, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from St. Louis to Charleston costs around $755 to $1,645.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from St. Louis to Charleston
The cost of St. Louis movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from St. Louis to Charleston may only cost $1,990, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,721.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in St. Louis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($593–$1,378), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 105% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than St. Louis.
Singles spend around $5,300 in St. Louis versus $2,589 in St. Louis; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,573.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| St. Louis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | |
| Average home value | $171,463 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,573 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.68% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 100% more expensive in Charleston than in St. Louis. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 226% steeper in Charleston compared to St. Louis.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 6% less in Charleston than in St. Louis.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 105% more than in St. Louis. 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 20% higher than in St. Louis.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than St. Louis by about 37%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 7% cheaper in Charleston compared to St. Louis. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 46% more in South Carolina than in Missouri. 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 St. Louis versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | St. Louis | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | |
| Gym membership | $29.17 |
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Charleston
| St. Louis | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 66 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 50 |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 30.35 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 49% less than St. Louis.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than St. Louis’s score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 40 out of 100 vs St. Louis’s 66 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Louis, which has a score of 58.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 44.97 compared to St. Louis’s 69.65. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 55.03 vs St. Louis’s 30.35.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in St. Louis it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across St. Louis and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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 St. Louis to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from St. Louis to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Charleston take?
The 856-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Charleston, , takes two to seven days. Some St. Louis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
What kinds of discounts do St. Louis movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in St. Louis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in St. Louis provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 38 piano movers and 22 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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