($1,250) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Charleston, SC

1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
5. Pure Moving Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Charleston

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Charleston typically costs between $1,250 and $5,164. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,805 and $7,337 when moving from San Francisco to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Francisco to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,443 up to $11,252.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Charleston

If you’re relocating from San Francisco to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $1,406 and $3,436 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,494 up to $5,209. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,441 and $7,035. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Charleston

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Francisco to Charleston move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,518 and $2,973. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,660 to $3,471. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,998 and $4,009.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Charleston from San Francisco, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 23% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 55% cheaper in Charleston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
• Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 54% lower in Charleston than in San Francisco.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 40% greater than in San Francisco. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 9% lower than in San Francisco.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 26% lower than San Francisco, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are effectively the same in Charleston and San Francisco (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
• Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Charleston’s population is about 81% less than San Francisco.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Charleston is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 40 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Charleston’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 44.97 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 55.03 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

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

Now that you’ve made the move to South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• 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, and The Charleston Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.