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($875) Cost to Move From Raleigh, NC to Charleston, SC

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Estimated cost & time: If you’re moving 279 miles from Raleigh to Charleston, expect to pay between $306 and $4,239. The journey should take about one–four days. Costs can vary due to distance, the date of the move, home size, and your choice between DIY and professional assistance.
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Best movers from Raleigh to Charleston

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Raleigh to Charleston

For a stress-free interstate move from Raleigh to Charleston, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

With 27 interstate moving companies in Raleigh, we’re here to highlight the best options for a seamless transition to Charleston.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Raleigh to Charleston

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 279-mile move from Raleigh to Charleston using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of validated rates from movers across the U.S., with monthly updates to reflect seasonality and market conditions. Your end price may shift due to load size, service add-ons, access or parking limitations, fuel costs, and your move date. We recommend obtaining several quotes to get a reliable estimate.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $959 – $3,344
  • Moving Container $808 – $1,483
  • Rental Truck $306 – $520
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,455 – $4,239
  • Moving Container $1,086 – $2,038
  • Rental Truck $306 – $648
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,177 – $5,389
  • Moving Container $1,461 – $2,528
  • Rental Truck $418 – $758
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Colonial Van Lines
Henderson, NC Ladson, SC
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 21, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Four Oaks, NC Ravenel, SC
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 12, 2025
PODS
Selma, NC Awendaw, SC
4 Bedrooms
Sep 12, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Sims, NC Rockville, SC
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 03, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Kittrell, NC Bonneau, SC
3 Bedrooms
Aug 29, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Erwin, NC Jamestown, SC
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 22, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Smithfield, NC Charleston, SC
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 13, 2025
Roadway Moving
Wendell, NC Folly Beach, SC
1 Bedroom (large)
Aug 10, 2025
United Van Lines
Youngsville, NC Sullivan’s Island, SC
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 10, 2025
BLVD Moving
Chapel Hill, NC Mount Pleasant, SC
Studio apartment
Aug 10, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Charleston, SC to Raleigh, NC guide.

Top-rated local movers that handle Raleigh to Charleston moves

When planning a move from Raleigh to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Raleigh who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Charleston.

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
62.0% of all reviews were positive
34.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking. On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.7% of all reviews were positive
5.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy. On the other hand, negative feedback—about 5.4%—focuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.
Get a Quote (919) 439-2454

Company Info

State license #: 2548

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 1931566

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.7% of all reviews were positive
4.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process. Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
78.4% of all reviews were positive
18.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Excel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team’s politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected. When compared to typical industry input, Excel’s high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.
Get a Quote (919) 213-6694

Company Info

State license #: 2311

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 076235

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
100.0% of all reviews were positive
0.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—customers praise Next Stop Movers for quick and careful service, friendly and professional staff, and a consistently hassle-free experience. Seven customer feedback entries analyzed, with 100% rated positively. Movers handle furniture attentively, offer efficient solutions, and communicate clearly. People appreciate affordable rates and flexibility, standing out compared to less responsive companies. No negative feedback was reported, and no recurring issues surfaced among the reviews.
Get a Quote (919) 249-8351

Company Info

State license #: 1267633

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 3619230

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

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

Movers in North Carolina charge $145 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 $875 – $2,690 $604 – $1,470 $285 – $547
2 – 3 bedrooms $1,455 – $4,239 $1,086 – $2,038 $306 – $648
4+ bedrooms $2,177 – $5,389 $1,461 – $2,528 $418 – $758
*The figures shown represent approximate costs for a 279-mile relocation from Raleigh to Charleston, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from moving companies across the country and updates the data each month to capture seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Final pricing may vary based on shipment size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel costs, and schedule. For accuracy, collect quotes from several movers.

Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Charleston

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $875 and $2,690. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,455 to $4,239 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Raleigh to Charleston typically runs between $2,177 and $5,389.

Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Charleston

When moving from Raleigh to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $604 and $1,470. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,086 to $2,038. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,461 up to $2,528. 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 North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Charleston

Renting a moving truck in Raleigh is usually your cheapest option to get to Charleston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $285 and $547. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $306 and $648. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $418 and $758.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that impact moving costs from Raleigh to Charleston

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,141, but larger homes can run up to $4,883.
  • Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Raleigh.
  • Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($285–$685) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Charleston

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about -13% higher for singles and 30% higher for families than Raleigh.

Singles spend around $5,300 in Raleigh versus $6,077 in Raleigh; families pay $7,890 compared with $6,077.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Raleigh Charleston
Average 1 BR rent $1,820 $2,529
Average 3 BR rent $3,000 $4,487
Average home value $431,795 $559,231
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $62,294
Cost of living (single) $6,077 $5,300
Cost of living (family of four) $6,077 $7,890
Unemployment rate 4.3% 4.0%
Sales tax 7.25% 9.0%
State income tax 4.5% 7.0%
  • As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 50% more expensive than it is in Raleigh; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 30% higher in Charleston than in Raleigh.
  • Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 2322% higher in Charleston compared to Raleigh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
  • Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Charleston, where the cost of living for a single person is 13% less than in Raleigh.
  • If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 30% more than it is in Raleigh.
  • Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 7% lower than that of Raleigh. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
  • Sales taxes are 24% higher in Charleston than in Raleigh. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
  • Income taxes are 56% higher in South Carolina compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Raleigh with Charleston:

Living Expense Raleigh Charleston
Basic utilities $190.88 $156.99
Cell phone plan $64.40 $54.78
Dozen eggs $4.71 $4.55
Loaf of bread $4.12 $3.82
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $19.50 $18.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $75.00 $80.00
Gym membership $40.18 $29.17
  • Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Raleigh than in Charleston.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
  • Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
  • Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Charleston.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Charleston.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Raleigh than in Charleston.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Charleston

Raleigh Charleston
Population 467,665 150,277
Transportation score 4 3
Walkability score 31 40
Bike friendliness score 39 50
Crime index 38.87 44.97
Safety index 60.13 55.03
Air quality Moderate Good
  • Charleston’s population is about 68% less than Raleigh.
  • Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Raleigh’s score of 4.
  • Charleston is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, 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 Raleigh with a score of 44.97 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 55.03 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
  • Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Charleston move

  • HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Charleston smoothly. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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

Now that you’ve chosen The Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.

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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Charleston offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • 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 Raleigh to Charleston?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Charleston?

Because spring and fall moves from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Charleston take?

A move of 279 miles from Raleigh, NC to Charleston, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Raleigh sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in Raleigh?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in Raleigh offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Raleigh have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

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