Highly rated local moving companies for Austin to Charleston moves
Organizing a move from Austin 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 33 local movers in Austin 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 Austin to Charleston.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Charleston?
On average, moving companies in Texas charge about $131 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 | $1,219 – $4,851 | $861 – $2,196 | $725 – $1,473 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,634 – $6,219 | $1,589 – $3,194 | $842 – $1,734 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,537 – $8,700 | $2,110 – $4,148 | $1,039 – $2,051 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Charleston
When planning a move to Charleston from Austin, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,219 and $4,851. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,634 and $6,219 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,537 to $8,700.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Charleston
When you’re heading from Austin to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $861 and $2,196. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,589 and $3,194. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,110 to $4,148. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Charleston
A moving rental truck from Austin 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 $725 to $1,473. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $842 to $1,734, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Austin to Charleston costs around $1,039 to $2,051.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Austin to Charleston
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Austin to Charleston may only cost $2,302, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,428.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Austin.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($725–$1,934), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Austin to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 58% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Austin.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Austin versus $3,345 in Austin; families pay $7,890 compared with $7,815.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Austin | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 42% more expensive in Charleston than in Austin. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 10% steeper in Charleston compared to Austin.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 9% less in Charleston than in Austin.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 58% more than in Austin. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Charleston and Austin remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Charleston has a higher unemployment rate than Austin by about 14%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Austin by 9%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Austin versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Austin | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Austin than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Austin than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
How life is different in Austin vs. Charleston
| Austin | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 50 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 85% less than Austin.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Austin’s score of 5.
- Charleston and Austin are similarly walkable.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Austin, which has a score of 54.
- Charleston and Austin have a similar crime rate with scores of 44.97 and 42.91, respectively.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 55.03 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Costs across Austin 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 Austin to Charleston?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Austin to Charleston. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Austin 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 Austin to Charleston take?
The 1,248-mile move from Austin, TX, to Charleston, , takes two to eight days. Some Austin 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 Austin movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 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 Austin?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 19 movers in Austin provide piano moving services. 14 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 180 piano movers and 125 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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