($1,275) Cost to Move From Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, SC

1. Seka Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
4. Excalibur Movers Los Angeles: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Los Angeles to Charleston

When planning a move to Charleston from Los Angeles, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,275 and $5,037. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,676 and $7,176 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,634 to $12,039.

Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles to Charleston

When you’re heading from Los Angeles to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,315 and $3,365. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,404 and $4,662. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,025 to $6,140. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Charleston

A moving rental truck from Los Angeles 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 $1,432 to $2,507. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,536 to $3,205, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Los Angeles to Charleston costs around $1,940 to $3,700.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 16% less expensive in Charleston than in Los Angeles, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 76% cheaper in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 17% less in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person there is 9% below that of Los Angeles.
• A move to Charleston can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 38% lower compared to Los Angeles.
• Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Los Angeles by about 62%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Charleston and Los Angeles (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are 47% less in South Carolina compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Charleston’s population is about 96% less than Los Angeles.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Los Angeles’s score of 8.
• Charleston is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Los Angeles’s 69 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 Los Angeles, which has a score of 59.
• Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 44.97 compared to Los Angeles’s 53.81. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 55.03 vs Los Angeles’s 46.19.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Los Angeles it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across Los Angeles 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.

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.