Top local movers for San Diego to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in San Diego 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 Diego who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from San Diego to Charleston.
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery , The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International 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 #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Charleston?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 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 | $1,203 – $5,350 | $1,180 – $3,143 | $1,226 – $2,420 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,423 – $7,232 | $2,295 – $4,571 | $1,398 – $2,821 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,429 – $11,181 | $3,153 – $6,444 | $1,747 – $3,641 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Diego to Charleston typically costs between $1,203 and $5,350. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,423 and $7,232 when moving from San Diego to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Diego to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,429 up to $11,181.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Charleston
If you’re relocating from San Diego to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $1,180 and $3,143 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,295 up to $4,571. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,153 and $6,444. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Diego 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 $1,226 and $2,420. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,398 to $2,821. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,747 and $3,641.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Diego to Charleston
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Diego to Charleston might be as low as $2,458, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,972.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Diego.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,226 to $3,191 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than San Diego – roughly 54% less for singles and 50% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $3,346 in San Diego. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $7,719.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Diego | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Charleston from San Diego, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 70% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 85% cheaper in Charleston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 19% lower in Charleston than in San Diego.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person is 54% less compared to San Diego.
- Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 50% lower than in San Diego.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 6% lower than San Diego, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Charleston than San Diego, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 51% lower in West Virginia than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Diego and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Charleston.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Charleston
| San Diego | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 28 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 97% less than San Diego.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than San Diego’s score of 6.
- Charleston is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 33 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Diego, which has a score of 43.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 53.94 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 46.06 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego 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: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in West Virginia, 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 relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- 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 Charlie West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East End
- West Side
- Kanawha City
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Hills
- Edgewood
- Kanawha City
- Fort Hill
- Loudon Heights
Things to do in Charleston
Now that you’ve made the move to West Virginia, 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 Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato 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 Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Diego to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from San Diego 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 Diego to Charleston take?
Covering 2,312 miles, the move from San Diego, CA to Charleston, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some San Diego movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Diego offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in San Diego offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military 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 Diego can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Diego, 21 movers can handle pianos. 16 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 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.
Helpful moving resources
San Diego moving services
Popular California routes
- California to West Virginia car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!