Quick answer: A move from St. Petersburg to Charleston costs $524–$5,806 and takes one to four 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 458-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to St. Petersburg guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from St. Petersburg to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from St. Petersburg to Charleston can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your FL to SC move
Local movers servicing St. Petersburg to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in St. Petersburg that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in St. Petersburg who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from St. Petersburg to Charleston.
- Let's Get Moving, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Big Man's Moving Company, LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Brothers EZ Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2270761
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2270761
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2951960
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2951960
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2349033
Alternate Names: Brothers EZ Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2787568
Alternate Names: Smarter Moving Solutions LLC, 2 College Brothers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2113690
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Saviveco, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Petersburg to Charleston?
St. Petersburg movers charge $185 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 | $1,236 - $3,302 | $862 - $2,069 | $473 - $881 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,079 - $5,806 | $1,528 - $2,998 | $524 - $1,088 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,592 - $8,240 | $2,050 - $3,549 | $620 - $1,270 |
Cost to hire movers from Florida to South Carolina
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Florida to South Carolina typically costs between $1,236 and $3,302. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,079 and $5,806 when moving from FL to SC. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Florida to South Carolina, you're looking at costs ranging from $3,592 up to $8,240.
Cost of moving containers from Florida to South Carolina
When you're heading from Florida to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $862 and $2,069. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,528 and $2,998. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,050 to $3,549. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Florida easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida to South Carolina
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $473 to $881. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $524 to $1,088, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Florida to South Carolina costs around $620 to $1,270.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Petersburg to Charleston
What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Charleston
Moving from St. Petersburg to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than St. Petersburg, 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:
St. Petersburg | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,075 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $360,584 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,374 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,642 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,178 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 21% higher than in St. Petersburg.
- The home prices in Charleston are 55.1% higher than in St. Petersburg, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Charleston is 3.2% lower than in St. Petersburg, 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 100.6% higher than in St. Petersburg. 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 27.7% higher than in St. Petersburg.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 13.04% lower than in St. Petersburg.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 28.57% higher than what you are paying in St. Petersburg.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 7.00% higher than in St. Petersburg.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,018.17 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Petersburg.
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Charleston
Charleston | St. Petersburg | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 259,343 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
Walkability score | 40 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 59 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 39.54 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 60.46 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 42% less than St. Petersburg.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in St. Petersburg. Charleston has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas St. Petersburg is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- You'll find Charleston to be about as walkable as St. Petersburg. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 40 and 43 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Charleston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than St. Petersburg. While St. Petersburg has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, Charleston earned a 50. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Charleston is higher than in St. Petersburg, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 44.97 in Charleston, it is 39.54 in St. Petersburg. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Charleston. With a crime index of 55.03, Charleston ranks lower in overall safety than St. Petersburg, whose index is 60.46. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Charleston and St. Petersburg is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your St. Petersburg 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
Ready to relocate to 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
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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Petersburg to Charleston You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Petersburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg to Charleston take?
The 458-mile journey from St. Petersburg, FL to Charleston, SC, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in St. Petersburg 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.