Montgomery, AL to Charleston, SC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Charleston typically costs $2,400–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 453 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Montgomery to Charleston
Moving from Montgomery, AL to Charleston, SC typically costs $2,400–$6,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 453-mile move from Montgomery to Charleston, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,100 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,263 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $1,922 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 18, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Montgomery to Charleston
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Montgomery to Charleston may only cost $1,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Montgomery.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,200), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Charleston, SC to Montgomery, AL guide.
Best Montgomery to Charleston movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Montgomery to Charleston
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Montgomery to Charleston. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best AL→SC movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 46 Alabama moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Montgomery to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Charleston runs about 221% higher for singles and 121% higher for families than Montgomery.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Charleston versus $1,651 in Montgomery; families pay $7,890 compared with $3,569.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Montgomery | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,232 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,567 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $140,563 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,989 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,651 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,569 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 108% more expensive in Charleston than in Montgomery. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 298% steeper in Charleston compared to Montgomery.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 25% greater in Charleston than in Montgomery, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 221% more than in Montgomery. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 121% higher than in Montgomery.
- Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Montgomery by about 31%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 10% cheaper in Charleston compared to Montgomery. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 40% more in South Carolina than in Alabama. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Montgomery versus Charleston:
| Living Expense | Montgomery | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $180.00 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.33 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.99 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.57 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $51.49 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Montgomery than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Montgomery than in Charleston.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Charleston
| Montgomery | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 33 | 50 |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 34.75 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 25% less than Montgomery.
- Charleston's public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is higher than Montgomery's score of 2.
- Charleston is more walkable than Montgomery with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Montgomery's 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Montgomery, which has a score of 33 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Montgomery with a score of 44.97 compared to Montgomery's 65.25. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Montgomery with a safety index of 55.03 vs Montgomery's 34.75.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Montgomery it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Montgomery to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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 Montgomery to Charleston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Montgomery to Charleston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Montgomery.
When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Charleston?
Want to save on your move from Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Charleston take?
The 453-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Charleston, SC, takes one to four days. Some Montgomery 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 Montgomery movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Montgomery?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 4 movers in Montgomery provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
