($1,426) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Charleston, SC

Quick answer: For a 2,757-mile move from Oakland to Charleston, expect to spend around $1,787 – $7,889 and seven to 21 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you’re going DIY or using a moving company.

1. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.8 out of 5 stars
3. Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. Got2Move: 4.72 out of 5 stars
5. Pure Moving Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Charleston

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,426 and $5,552. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,093 to $7,889 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Oakland to Charleston typically runs between $7,624 and $12,224.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Charleston

When moving from Oakland to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,454 and $3,843. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,528 to $5,388. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,487 up to $7,420. 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 California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Charleston

Renting a moving truck Oakland 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 $1,586 and $2,981. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,787 and $3,697. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,259 and $4,356.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 14% more expensive than it is in Oakland; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 24% lower in Charleston than in Oakland.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 34% less in Charleston than in Oakland.
• Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 68% more than in Oakland. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• Moving to Charleston could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 8% less than in Oakland.
• Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 11% lower than that of Oakland. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 12% lower in Charleston than in Oakland. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Charleston can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Charleston’s population is about 66% less than Oakland.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Oakland’s score of 8.
• Charleston is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 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 Oakland, which has a score of 65.
• Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 44.97 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 55.03 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• 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.

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.