Quick answer: Expect to pay $587–$6,983 for a move from Lexington to Charleston, with most moves taking one to six days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 544 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Lexington guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Lexington to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Lexington to go to Charleston can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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 KY to SC move
The best local movers servicing Lexington to Charleston moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Lexington that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Lexington who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Lexington to Charleston.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Express Moving & Delivery Services: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3885
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Beautiful World, LLC., Two Men And A Truck - Lexington
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3952
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2207083
Alternate Names: Wildcat Furniture Repair, Wildcat Pressure Washing, The Wildcat Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0065
Years in Business: 71
Alternate Names: Fister, Inc., Vincent Fister Company, Inc., United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1280
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Saunier North American, Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc., A North American Van Lines Agent
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lexington to Charleston?
Lexington movers charge $70 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 | $1,412 - $3,963 | $876 - $2,090 | $544 - $991 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,585 - $6,983 | $1,582 - $2,944 | $587 - $1,210 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,011 - $9,638 | $2,149 - $3,676 | $753 - $1,416 |
Cost to hire movers from Kentucky to South Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to South Carolina will cost between $1,412 and $3,963. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from KY to SC will range from $2,585 to $6,983, and a large move from Kentucky to South Carolina will cost from $5,011 to $9,638.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to South Carolina
Moving from Kentucky to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $876 and $2,090. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,582 to $2,944. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,149 up to $3,676. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky 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 $544 to $991. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $587 to $1,210, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Kentucky to South Carolina costs around $753 to $1,416.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that influence moving costs from Lexington to Charleston
What to know before moving from Lexington to Charleston
Moving from Lexington to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Lexington, 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:
Lexington | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,345 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $309,021 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,100 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,170 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 4.0% | 7.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 86% higher than in Lexington.
- The home prices in Charleston are 81.0% higher than in Lexington, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Charleston, where incomes are, on average, 1.2% higher than in Lexington. Major employers in Charleston include Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 71.0% higher than in Lexington. 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 89.2% higher than in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 6.98% lower than in Lexington.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 50.00% higher than what you are paying in Lexington.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 75.00% higher than in Lexington.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,129.03 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lexington.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Charleston
Charleston | Lexington | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 320,347 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 4 |
Walkability score | 40 | 90 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 85 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 50.88 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 49.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 53% less than Lexington.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in Lexington. Charleston has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Lexington is ranked 4. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Charleston neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Lexington. Based on its score of 40 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as Lexington, which has a score of 90 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Charleston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Lexington. While Lexington has a bike-friendliness score of 85 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.
- Charleston has a lower crime rate than Lexington based on scores of 44.97 and Lexington's 50.88, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Charleston than in Lexington, based on Charleston's safety index of 55.03 versus 49.12 for Lexington. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Charleston and Lexington 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 Lexington 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on Holy City, these are some of the most popular 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: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Lexington to Charleston?
The best time to move from Lexington to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lexington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Lexington to Charleston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Lexington to Charleston take?
The 544-mile move from Lexington, KY, to Charleston, SC, takes one to six days. Some Lexington movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.