Quick answer: A move from Ontario to Charleston costs $1,908–$9,630 and takes seven to 18 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,437-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Ontario guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Ontario to Charleston
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Ontario to Charleston isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
The top local movers servicing Ontario to Charleston moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Ontario that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Ontario who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Ontario to Charleston.
- Golden Eagle Moving, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Big Deahl's Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191570
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Golden Eagle Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0137029
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191956
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3256910
Alternate Names: Trek Solutions LLC, Trek Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Ontario to Charleston?
Ontario movers charge $110 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 | $1,546 - $6,617 | $1,539 - $4,150 | $1,675 - $3,342 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,442 - $9,630 | $2,823 - $5,860 | $1,908 - $3,820 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,609 - $14,310 | $3,843 - $7,958 | $2,268 - $4,975 |
Cost to hire movers from California to South Carolina
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,546 and $6,617. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,442 to $9,630 for the trip from CA to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,609 and $14,310.
Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina
If you're relocating from California to South Carolina, you'll typically spend between $1,539 and $4,150 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,823 up to $5,860. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,843 and $7,958. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California 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 $1,675 and $3,342 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,908 to $3,820. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,268 to $4,975.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Ontario to Charleston
What to know before moving from Ontario to Charleston
Moving from Ontario to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Ontario, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Ontario | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,619 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $668,089 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,908 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,793 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 5% lower than in Ontario, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 16.3% lower than in Ontario. - Income in Charleston is 13.4% lower than in Ontario, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston — including Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 114.3% higher than in Ontario. 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 36.2% higher than in Ontario.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 42.03% lower than in Ontario.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 2.86% higher than what you are paying in Ontario.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Ontario.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,429.44 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ontario.
How life is different in Ontario vs. Charleston
Charleston | Ontario | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 175,265 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
Walkability score | 40 | 48 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 46 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 50.25 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 49.75 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 14% less than Ontario.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Ontario's higher score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Ontario with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Ontario's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Ontario, which has a score of 46 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston's crime rate is lower than Ontario with a score of 44.97 compared to Ontario's 50.25. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ontario neighborhoods are safer than 50.25%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Ontario with a safety index of 55.03 vs Ontario's 49.75.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Ontario it's good.
Other things to consider for your Ontario 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: You can verify a South Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Charleston Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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
Now that you've chosen 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: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like 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 — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Ontario to Charleston You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Ontario.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ontario to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Ontario 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 Ontario to Charleston take?
The 2,437-mile journey from Ontario, CA to Charleston, SC, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Ontario offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.