Top local movers for Stockton to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Stockton that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 19 local movers in Stockton who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Stockton to Charleston.
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190750
Years in Business: 169
DOT #: 2778166
Alternate Names: Bekins , D & S Simoni Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Stockton to Charleston?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,290 – $5,149 | $1,438 – $3,241 | $1,487 – $2,938 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,900 – $8,026 | $2,309 – $4,868 | $1,609 – $3,258 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,049 – $11,837 | $3,518 – $6,564 | $1,953 – $4,419 |
Cost to hire movers from Stockton to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Stockton to Charleston typically costs between $1,290 and $5,149. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,900 and $8,026 when moving from Stockton to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Stockton to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,049 up to $11,837.
Cost of moving containers from Stockton to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Stockton to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $1,438 and $3,241 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,309 up to $4,868. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,518 and $6,564. 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 Stockton to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Stockton 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 $1,487 and $2,938. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,609 to $3,258. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,953 and $4,419.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Stockton to Charleston

What to know before moving from Stockton to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 41% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Stockton.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Stockton versus $3,767 in Stockton; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,810.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Stockton | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,500 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,750 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $437,561 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,915 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,767 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 41% higher in Charleston than in Stockton, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 28% higher in Charleston than in Stockton.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Charleston and Stockton, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Charleston, as the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 41% greater than in Stockton. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Charleston, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 16% more than it is in Stockton.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 61% lower than Stockton, Charleston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Charleston and Stockton (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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Stockton and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Stockton | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.67 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.63 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.67 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Stockton than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Stockton than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Stockton than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Stockton than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Stockton than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Stockton than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Stockton than in Charleston.
How life is different in Stockton vs. Charleston
| Stockton | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,804 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 44 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 50 |
| Crime index | 75.2 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 24.8 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 53% less than Stockton.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Stockton’s score of 4.
- Charleston is less walkable than Stockton with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Stockton’s 44 out of 100.
- Both Charleston and Stockton have similar bike-friendliness scores (52 vs 50), meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Stockton. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Stockton with a score of 44.97 compared to Stockton’s 75.2. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Stockton with a safety index of 55.03 vs Stockton’s 24.8.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Stockton it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Stockton to Charleston move
- 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.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to The Holy City? Here are some of the top 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
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Stockton to Charleston?
When is the cheapest time to move from Stockton to Charleston?
How long does a move from Stockton to Charleston take?
How many movers in Stockton can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Helpful moving resources
Stockton moving services
Popular California routes
- California to South Carolina car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!