Top-rated local movers that handle Raleigh to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Raleigh to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Raleigh who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Charleston.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Charleston?
Movers in North Carolina charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $875 – $2,690 | $604 – $1,470 | $285 – $547 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,455 – $4,239 | $1,086 – $2,038 | $306 – $648 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,177 – $5,389 | $1,461 – $2,528 | $418 – $758 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $875 and $2,690. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,455 to $4,239 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Raleigh to Charleston typically runs between $2,177 and $5,389.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Charleston
When moving from Raleigh to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $604 and $1,470. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,086 to $2,038. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,461 up to $2,528. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Raleigh is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $285 and $547. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $306 and $648. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $418 and $758.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Raleigh to Charleston
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,141, but larger homes can run up to $4,883.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Raleigh.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($285–$685) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about -13% higher for singles and 30% higher for families than Raleigh.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Raleigh versus $6,077 in Raleigh; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Raleigh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 50% more expensive than it is in Raleigh; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 30% higher in Charleston than in Raleigh.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 2322% higher in Charleston compared to Raleigh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Charleston, where the cost of living for a single person is 13% less than in Raleigh.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 30% more than it is in Raleigh.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 7% lower than that of Raleigh. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 24% higher in Charleston than in Raleigh. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 56% higher in South Carolina compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Raleigh with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Raleigh than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Charleston
| Raleigh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 50 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 68% less than Raleigh.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Charleston is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 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 Raleigh with a score of 44.97 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 55.03 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Charleston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Raleigh to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Raleigh to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Charleston take?
A move of 279 miles from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Raleigh sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Raleigh?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Raleigh offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Raleigh have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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