Quick answer: Expect to pay $633–$6,883 for a move from Dayton 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 662 miles.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Dayton guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Dayton to Charleston

Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Dayton to Charleston isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.

No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to SC movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 68 Ohio movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The best local movers servicing Dayton to Charleston moves

Finding a trusted local moving company in Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton to Charleston.

  1. American Way Van & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Mayberry's Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  4. Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc: 4.42 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/American.Way.Van.Storage/?ref=ts, https://x.com/awvs
77% of all reviews were positive
22% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about the professionalism, careful handling, and consistently strong communication from American Way Van & Storage, with 77% of all input showing high satisfaction. Many praise the friendly teams for efficient moves and attention to detail, especially around fragile items. Quotes are typically accurate, and staff go out of their way to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Some even highlight the company’s reliability as a deciding factor over competitors. A number of clients return for additional moves after positive past experiences. Negative feedback, accounting for 22% of responses, centers on damaged belongings, surprise charges, and slow or unresponsive communication when resolving issues. Claims over damaged goods or missing items sometimes take weeks or months to resolve and may end with unsatisfactory compensation. Compared to others in the moving industry, American Way stands out for customer service and staff courtesy but shares the common pitfalls of moving companies: disputes about damage and billing. 145 reviews were analyzed, showing most people feel their property is respected and the process is handled by a professional team, yet the risk of damage and unexpected costs remains.
Show more
Get a Quote (937) 898-7294

Company Info

State license #: 00139517

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 76628


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/mayberrysvan/,
84% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Exceeding expectations, Mayberry's Van & Storage, Inc. receives strong support from its customers. Out of 32 reviews examined, 84% offered positive input, with customers noting professional movers, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, reasonable rates, and frequent recommendations to friends and family. People highlight the staff's politeness and consistent service quality.
Negative feedback is rare but centers on serious problems, such as lost or damaged items, unexpected billing differences, and difficulty communicating with the company. Most movers in this industry struggle to match this level of satisfaction, making Mayberry's a standout choice for reliability and professionalism, with only a small share of unresolved issues reported.
Show more
Get a Quote (937) 298-8800

Company Info

Years in Business: 80

DOT #: 81407


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/TWOMENANDATRUCKCincinnati/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenAndATruck?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
87% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast, friendly, and professional defines most feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Analysis of 247 reviews shows 87% are positive, highlighting professional and polite staff, efficient service, careful handling of items, quick moving, and helpful movers. Many customers rave about stress-free moves and crews who show genuine concern for belongings.
Helpful office staff and transparent communication rank above experiences with most other moving companies. On the flip side, 12% cite problems, especially damage to items, big discrepancies between estimates and final costs, and unresolved complaints. Some mention poor packing or careless handling, while others are frustrated by unhelpful customer service when things go wrong. A small set of neutral comments focus on truck sizes not matching job needs, requiring extra moving trips. Compared to others, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stands out for strong praise in reliability and staff attitude, but repeat concerns about damage, cost overruns, and complaint handling indicate areas for improvement.
Show more
Get a Quote (513) 823-4125

Company Info

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/LewisAndMichaelMovingAndStorage/,
79% of all reviews were positive
21% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Feedback shows Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage excels in professionalism, speed, and careful handling. Out of 84 reviews, nearly 79% reflect satisfaction, praising courteous staff, efficient moves, and value pricing. Customers often describe their moving crews as respectful and quick, with many recommending the company to friends and family.
Yet, about 21% of the feedback reports damaged items, frustrating wait times, and poor follow-up after issues. A small number mention lack of care with fragile goods, unexpected damage, and unresponsive communication when problems arise. Lewis & Michael stands out for efficiency and professionalism compared to typical movers, but those with valuable or delicate belongings should verify insurance and clarify expectations up front to avoid mishaps.
Show more
Get a Quote (937) 252-6683

Company Info

Years in Business: 75

DOT #: 728239

Alternate Names: Lewis & Michael, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/TheLincolnStorageandMovingCompany, https://twitter.com/lincolnstorage
61% of all reviews were positive
39% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Feedback paints a clear picture of Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc’s strengths and challenges. About 61% of reviews are positive, out of 28 total analyzed. Customers frequently mention great communication, polite and professional staff, reasonable prices, and efficient service.
Many say the company shows reliability and earns repeated business for smooth, well-organized moves. On the other hand, several reviewers point out critical issues: delayed or canceled moves without notice, items being damaged or mishandled, and billing surprises. Compared to other movers, Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc stands out for its friendly, communicative crews and affordability, but inconsistent reliability and occasional losses or damages keep some customers dissatisfied. Choosing Lincoln means excellent service for many, but some experience setbacks that concern punctuality and responsibility.
Show more
Get a Quote (937) 223-8165

Company Info

State license #: 00606034

Years in Business: 108

DOT #: 1008646

Alternate Names: Lincoln Storage and Moving


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • DOD certified

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

Dayton movers charge $140 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 $1,573 - $4,714 $929 - $2,093 $599 - $1,155
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,704 - $6,883 $1,592 - $3,331 $633 - $1,344
4+ bedrooms $4,950 - $9,757 $2,172 - $3,947 $799 - $1,560
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 662 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Ohio to South Carolina

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ohio to South Carolina typically costs between $1,573 and $4,714. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,704 and $6,883 when moving from OH to SC. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Ohio to South Carolina, you're looking at costs ranging from $4,950 up to $9,757.

Cost of moving containers from Ohio to South Carolina

When you're heading from Ohio to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $929 and $2,093. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,592 and $3,331. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,172 to $3,947. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to South Carolina

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $599 and $1,155. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $633 and $1,344. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $799 and $1,560.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that influence moving costs from Dayton to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Dayton to Charleston can be as low as $1,573 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,703.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dayton so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $599 to $1,552. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Dayton to Charleston

Moving from Dayton to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Dayton, 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:

Dayton Charleston
Average rent cost $925 $2,500
Average home value $135,815 $559,231
Average income (per capita) $62,673 $62,294
Cost of living (single person) $1,593 $5,300
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,788 $7,890
Unemployment rate 6.8% 4.0%
Sales tax 7.5% 9.0%
State income tax 3.5% 7.0%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 170% higher than in Dayton.
  • The home prices in Charleston are 311.8% higher than in Dayton, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • Income is the same in Charleston and Dayton.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 232.7% higher than in Dayton. 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 108.3% higher than in Dayton.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 41.18% lower than in Dayton.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 20.00% higher than what you are paying in Dayton.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 100.00% higher than in Dayton.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,981.17 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.

How life is different in Dayton vs. Charleston

Charleston Dayton
Population 150,277 137,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 40 45
Bike friendliness score 50 47
Crime Index 44.97 4.0
Safety Index 55.03 40.68
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Charleston's population is about 9% greater than Dayton.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Dayton's higher score of 6.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 out of 100.
  • Both Charleston and Dayton have the same bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Dayton. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Charleston's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 44.97 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
  • Charleston is considered to be safer than Dayton with a safety index of 55.03 vs Dayton's 40.68.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Dayton 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

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: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like 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 — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Dayton to Charleston?

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

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

Because most people are moving from Dayton to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Dayton to Charleston take?

Moving from Dayton, OH to Charleston, SC covers 662 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Dayton movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources