($1,230) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Charleston, SC

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Charleston

When planning a move to Charleston from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,230 and $4,654. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,692 and $6,373 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,663 to $8,791.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Charleston

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $862 and $2,284. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,576 and $3,099. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,263 to $4,104. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Charleston

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Charleston 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 $767 to $1,377. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $830 to $1,790, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Charleston costs around $971 to $2,162.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 117% more expensive in Charleston than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 191% steeper in Charleston compared to Des Moines.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 7% greater in Charleston than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 180% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Charleston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 80% higher than in Des Moines.
• Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 32%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Des Moines by 29%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 59% more in South Carolina than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Charleston’s population is about 79% less than Des Moines.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Charleston is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 44.97 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Charleston and Des Moines have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 57.8.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.

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

With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.