Quick answer: Expect to pay $810–$6,473 for a move from Boston to Charleston, with most moves taking two to seven days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 976 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Boston guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Boston, MA, to Charleston, SC, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Boston, there are 86 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Boston, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Boston you can trust with your Boston to Charleston relocation.
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Boston to Charleston
For an interstate move from Boston to Charleston, choosing a full-service mover means you won’t have to manage the packing, loading, or transport yourself. These companies handle the details so you can concentrate on your schedule and plans for settling in.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for full-service movers equipped to get you from Boston to Charleston efficiently and with minimal stress.
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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What moving services are available in Boston?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MA to SC move
The best local movers servicing Boston to Charleston moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston to Charleston.
- Poseidon Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Flash Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3025065
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31321
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1696867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Boston to Charleston?
Boston movers charge $100 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 |
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Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,318 - $5,015 | $907 - $2,369 | $742 - $1,407 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,771 - $6,473 | $1,612 - $3,401 | $810 - $1,590 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,653 - $8,445 | $2,194 - $4,297 | $1,006 - $1,994 |
Cost to hire movers from Massachusetts to South Carolina
Planning a move from Massachusetts to South Carolina? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,318 and $5,015. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,771 and $6,473 for the same journey (MA to SC). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,653 to $8,445.
Cost of moving containers from Massachusetts to South Carolina
If you're relocating from Massachusetts to South Carolina, you'll typically spend between $907 and $2,369 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,612 up to $3,401. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,194 and $4,297. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Massachusetts to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $742 and $1,407. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $810 to $1,590. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,006 and $1,994.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Charleston
What to know before moving from Boston to Charleston
Budget-wise, Charleston tends to come out ahead — about 10% lower for singles and 30% lower for families than Boston.
One person’s costs run $5,300 in Charleston vs. $4,820 in Boston; for a family of four, think $7,890 vs. $11,304.
Scan the comparison below to see where you’ll save most:
- Rent prices in Charleston are 27% lower than in Boston, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 24.3% lower than in Boston. - Income in Charleston is 30.2% lower than in Boston, 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 10.0% higher than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- A move to Charleston can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 30.2% less than what it costs in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 35.48% lower than in Boston.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 44.00% higher than what you are paying in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.22% lower than in Boston.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Boston versus Charleston.
Boston | Charleston | |
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Basic utilities | $203.15 | $156.99 |
Cell phone plan | $57.53 | $54.78 |
Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.55 |
Loaf of bread | $4.07 | $3.82 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25 | $18 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135 | $80 |
Gym membership | $77.5 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Boston than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Boston than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Boston than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Boston than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Boston than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Boston than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Boston than in Charleston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Charleston
Charleston | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 675,647 |
Transportation Score | 3 | 9 |
Walkability score | 40 | 98 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 86 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 39.88 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 60.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 78% less than Boston.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Charleston is less walkable than Boston with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 44.97 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 55.03 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston 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
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
Once you're settled into your new home in South Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- 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 Boston to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to Charleston. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Boston 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 Boston to Charleston take?
The 976-mile journey from Boston, MA to Charleston, SC, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Boston 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.
Which movers in Boston give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
How many movers in Boston can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Boston, 86 movers can handle pianos. 57 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MA, there are 93 piano movers and 65 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.