($1,325) Cost to Move From Santa Ana, CA to Charleston, SC

Quick answer: A typical 2,469-mile move from Santa Ana to Charleston runs $1,597 – $8,329 and takes about seven to 18 days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.

1. Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
3. Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. Laaks Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Charleston

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Charleston will cost between $1,325 and $5,396. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Santa Ana will range from $3,743 to $8,329, and a large move from Santa Ana to Charleston will cost from $7,034 to $12,640.

Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Charleston

If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Charleston, expect to pay between $1,312 and $3,466 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,452 up to $5,145. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,308 and $6,578. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Charleston

Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Charleston is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,446 and $2,686. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,597 and $3,232. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,938 up to $3,963 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to Charleston from Santa Ana, you’ll find that rent is roughly 6% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 34% less in Charleston than in Santa Ana.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 19% lower in Charleston compared to Santa Ana.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Charleston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 16% lower than in Santa Ana.
• Choosing to move to Charleston can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 29% less than in Santa Ana.
• Charleston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 43% lower compared to Santa Ana, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes show little difference between Charleston and Santa Ana (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
• Income taxes are 47% less in South Carolina than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.

• Charleston’s population is about 52% less than Santa Ana.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
• Charleston is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 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 Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
• Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 44.97 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 55.03 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status 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: 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: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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, and The Charleston Museum.
• 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: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.