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Top-rated movers to make your McAllen to Charleston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in McAllen that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in McAllen who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from McAllen to Charleston.
- Rick’s Moving & Storage LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009769916C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1082164
Alternate Names: Rick’s Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from McAllen to Charleston?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,188 – $4,575 | $932 – $2,313 | $905 – $1,717 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,832 – $6,742 | $1,717 – $3,477 | $885 – $1,885 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,175 – $9,505 | $2,358 – $4,401 | $1,198 – $2,279 |
Cost to hire movers from McAllen to Charleston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Charleston from McAllen, you can expect prices to land between $1,188 and $4,575. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,832 to $6,742 for the trip from McAllen to Charleston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,175 and $9,505.
Cost of moving containers from McAllen to Charleston
Moving containers from McAllen to Charleston will cost you $932 to $2,313 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,717 to $3,477. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,358 to $4,401. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from McAllen to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from McAllen to Charleston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $905 and $1,717 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $885 to $1,885. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,198 to $2,279.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your McAllen to Charleston move
The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,418 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,901 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in McAllen.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $905 to $2,236, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 264% higher for singles and 122% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $5,300 in McAllen versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $7,890 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Planning a move to Charleston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 85% higher than in McAllen, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Charleston are about 153% higher than those in McAllen.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 8% higher in Charleston compared to McAllen, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Charleston, as living costs for a single person are 264% higher than in McAllen. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 122% higher than in McAllen.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is about 49% lower than in McAllen. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Charleston are 9% more than in McAllen, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between McAllen and Charleston:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in McAllen than in Charleston.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Charleston
| McAllen | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 50 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 6% greater than McAllen.
- Charleston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of McAllen, making them very similar.
- Charleston and McAllen are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 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 McAllen with a score of 44.97 compared to McAllen’s 36.26. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 55.03 vs McAllen’s 63.74.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in McAllen it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Planning your move to The Holy City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Charleston?
Planning your move from McAllen to Charleston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from McAllen to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from McAllen to Charleston take?
The 1,431-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Charleston, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in McAllen offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.
Are piano and antique moving services available in McAllen?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In McAllen, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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