Quick answer: The cost to move from Huntsville to Charleston ranges from $542 to $7,088 and the journey will take approximately one to four days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 478-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Huntsville guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
For a move from Huntsville to Charleston, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 8 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.
We reviewed every Huntsville company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in Huntsville made our final list.
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Huntsville to Charleston
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Huntsville to Charleston, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Huntsville to Charleston without the headaches.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Huntsville?
How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to SC move
The best local movers servicing Huntsville to Charleston moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Huntsville that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Huntsville who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Huntsville to Charleston.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Applewhite Movers LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- This Side Up Moving & Storage : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 614
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4119
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2172780
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3959
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1874024
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3859
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Huntsville to Charleston?
Huntsville movers charge $65 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 | $1,477 - $4,118 | $865 - $2,097 | $508 - $892 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,617 - $7,088 | $1,470 - $2,808 | $542 - $1,114 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,436 - $10,471 | $2,096 - $3,902 | $661 - $1,262 |
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to South Carolina
Planning a move from Alabama to South Carolina? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,477 and $4,118. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,617 and $7,088 for the same journey (AL to SC). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,436 to $10,471.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to South Carolina
Moving from Alabama to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $865 and $2,097. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,470 to $2,808. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,096 up to $3,902. 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 Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $508 and $892 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $542 to $1,114. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $661 to $1,262.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Huntsville to Charleston
What to know before moving from Huntsville to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move — Charleston runs about 69% higher for singles and 91% higher for families than Huntsville.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Charleston versus $3,133 in Huntsville; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,140.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 77% higher than in Huntsville.
- The home prices in Charleston are 109.7% higher than in Huntsville, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Charleston, where incomes are, on average, 2.2% higher than in Huntsville. Major employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 69.2% higher than in Huntsville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- 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 90.6% higher than in Huntsville.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 29.03% higher than in Huntsville.
- Sales taxes are the same in Charleston and Huntsville.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 40.00% higher than in Huntsville.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Huntsville versus Charleston.
Huntsville | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $180 | $156.99 |
Cell phone plan | $50.56 | $54.78 |
Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.55 |
Loaf of bread | $3.33 | $3.82 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.5 | $18 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.5 | $80 |
Gym membership | $44 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Huntsville than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Huntsville than in Charleston.
How life is different in Huntsville vs. Charleston
Charleston | Huntsville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 241,114 |
Transportation Score | 3 | 2 |
Walkability score | 40 | 24 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 40 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 42.55 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 57.45 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 38% less than Huntsville.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Huntsville's lower score of 2.
- Charleston is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Huntsville's 24 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Huntsville, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston and Huntsville have a similar crime rate.
- Charleston and Huntsville are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Huntsville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Huntsville vs. Charleston move
- Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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: 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to Holy City? Here are some of the top 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
Once you're settled into your new home in South Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
- 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: 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 Huntsville to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Huntsville to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Huntsville. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Huntsville 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 Huntsville to Charleston take?
Moving from Huntsville, AL to Charleston, SC covers 478 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Huntsville movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
What kinds of discounts do Huntsville movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Huntsville?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Huntsville, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Alabama has 33 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2173 and 1398 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.