Moving from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC averages from $687 to $6,005 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Charleston, SC. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Chicago guide.

• Best Chicago to Charleston movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Charleston.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Chicago to Charleston car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 913 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Charleston?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 913 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Charleston will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best Chicago to Charleston Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Charleston?

To ship furniture from Chicago to Charleston with a mover will cost between $1,204 to $4,587. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,470 to $6,005, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Charleston will cost from $4,123 to $8,064.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Charleston?

Moving containers from Chicago to Charleston will cost you $833 to $2,026 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,496 to $2,962. A larger home will cost $2,013 to $3,882.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Charleston?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $636 to $1,202. A larger move will cost $687 to $1,429, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Charleston costs from $861 to $1,736.

How to ship a car from Chicago to Charleston?

If you're moving from Chicago to Charleston and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Chicago to Charleston car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC a good idea?

Cost of Living: Chicago vs Charleston

• Rent Prices in Charleston, SC are 2% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Home Prices in Charleston, SC are 66.9% higher than in Chicago, IL.
• Income in Charleston, SC is 11.9% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Charleston, SC is 5.4% higher than in Chicago, IL.
• Cost of Living for a family in Charleston, SC is 2.8% higher than in Chicago, IL.
• Unemployment rate in Charleston, SC is 55.56% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Sales Taxes in Charleston, SC are 12.20% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• State Income Taxes in Charleston, SC are 41.41% higher than in Chicago, IL.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,838.2 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC?

• Charleston’s population is about 95% less than Chicago.
• Charleston’s public transportation is better than Chicago with a score of 3 vs 9.
• Charleston is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 40 vs 77.
• Charleston is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 50 vs 72.
• Charleston's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 18.0 compared to 35.19.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 61.13 vs 33.87.
• Air Quality in Charleston is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Charleston, SC

• 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Charleston. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Chicago Movers

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Charleston, SC

Now that you've decided to make the move to "The Holy City", these are the best neighborhoods in Charleston to move to.

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

What to do in Charleston

Moving to The “The Holy City”? These are some of the best things to do in your new South Carolina home.

• City Market
• Fort Sumter National Monument
• James Island
• Boone Hall
• Waterfront Park
• Dock Street Theater
• South Carolina Aquarium
• Magnolia Cemetery
• Rainbow Row
• Old Slave Mart

Get your sports on!

• Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• Los Angeles to Charleston
• New York City to Charleston
• Houston to Charleston
• Phoenix to Charleston
• Philadelphia to Charleston
• San Antonio to Charleston
• San Diego to Charleston
• Dallas to Charleston
• San Jose to Charleston
• Austin to Charleston

Learn more about Charleston

• What Is The Cost To Move In Charleston?
• What Is The Cost To Move To South Carolina?
• Tips on Moving to Charleston, SC: Moving Guide
• Best Moving Companies in Charleston, SC
• Best Moving Companies in South Carolina