Top-rated local movers that handle Buffalo to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Buffalo 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 five local movers in Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Charleston.
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Best Buffalo Movers : 3.98 out of 5 stars
- Pryority Movers : 4.02 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 40318
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3104397
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 40835
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Bulldog Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 41063
Years in Business: 6
Alternate Names: Pryority Delivery Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Charleston?
Movers in New York charge 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 | $977 – $3,745 | $761 – $1,869 | $593 – $1,151 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,075 – $4,824 | $1,452 – $2,619 | $653 – $1,329 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,602 – $6,974 | $1,858 – $3,463 | $762 – $1,582 |
Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $977 and $3,745. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,075 to $4,824 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Buffalo to Charleston typically runs between $3,602 and $6,974.
Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Charleston
When moving from Buffalo to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $761 and $1,869. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,452 to $2,619. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,858 up to $3,463. 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 New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Buffalo 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 $593 and $1,151. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $653 and $1,329. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $762 and $1,582.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Buffalo to Charleston
The cost of Buffalo movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,810, but larger homes can run up to $5,990.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Buffalo.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($593–$1,449) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 105% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Buffalo.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Buffalo versus $2,589 in Buffalo; families pay $7,890 compared with $5,720.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Buffalo | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,075 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $213,418 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,443 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,720 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.5% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 108% more expensive than it is in Buffalo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 162% higher in Charleston than in Buffalo.
- The average income in Charleston and Buffalo is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 105% more than in Buffalo. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Charleston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 38% more than it is in Buffalo.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 58% lower than that of Buffalo. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Charleston and Buffalo (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 36% lower in South Carolina compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Buffalo with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Buffalo | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.62 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.67 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Buffalo than in Charleston.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Charleston
| Buffalo | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 50 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 53.55 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 46% less than Buffalo.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Buffalo’s score of 7.
- Charleston is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 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 Buffalo, which has a score of 63.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 44.97 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Charleston and Buffalo have a similar safety level, with scores of 55.03 and 53.55.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Charleston take?
A move of 862 miles from Buffalo, NY to Charleston, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Buffalo sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Buffalo offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Buffalo have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 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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