($1,307) Cost to Move From Portland, ME to Charleston, SC

1. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to Charleston

When planning a move to Charleston from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,307 and $5,511. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,827 and $6,996 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,985 to $9,282.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to Charleston

When you’re heading from Portland to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $849 and $2,176. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,446 and $2,947. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,076 to $4,168. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Charleston

A moving rental truck from Portland 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 $684 to $1,339. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $762 to $1,625, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Charleston costs around $910 to $1,863.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 26% more expensive in Charleston than in Portland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• With home prices differing by less than 5% between Charleston and Portland, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Charleston and Portland are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Charleston, with the cost of living for a single person being 113% more than in Portland. 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 30% higher than in Portland.
• Charleston has a lower unemployment rate than Portland by about 23%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Portland by 64%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 21% more in South Carolina than in Maine. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Charleston’s population is about 120% greater than Portland.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 6.
• Charleston is less walkable than Portland with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
• Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 68.
• Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 44.97 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• Charleston is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 55.03 vs Portland’s 67.84.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Portland 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.