($531+) Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Charleston, SC, runs anywhere from $515 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,192 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 675 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,506, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,192 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,126 - $3,667, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $515 - $1,428.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Charleston, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,184 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
Moving options from Philadelphia to Charleston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,184 - $5,701 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 675-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 675-mile route from Philadelphia to Charleston, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,506 - $4,154 | $1,126 - $1,904 | $515 - $944 | $975 - $1,662 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,184 - $5,701 | $1,321 - $2,638 | $561 - $1,214 | $1,102 - $2,153 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,698 - $8,192 | $1,934 - $3,667 | $708 - $1,428 | $1,444 - $2,907 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
For the 675-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charleston, South Carolina, full-service movers cost between $1,506 and $8,192. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $322 - $2,144 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,506 - $4,154
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,184 - $5,701
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,698 - $8,192
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Charleston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to South Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Charleston, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $536 - $5,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $214 - $1,286/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $322 - $2,573 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $1,072 - $3,216 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,680 - $10,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $803 - $1,525 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $1,072 - $2,680 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $858 - $3,752 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $322 - $1,608 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $697 - $2,144 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $322 - $16,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $322 - $3,752+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Charleston?
South Carolina Trucking Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in South Carolina, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charleston, South Carolina, cost between $1,126 and $3,667. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Philadelphia costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,126 - $1,904
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,321 - $2,638
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $3,667
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Philadelphia, PA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $750, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $80 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $161 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Philadelphia, PA, and Charleston, SC, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to South Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,126. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,321 - $2,638, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Charleston?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
Renting a moving truck for the 675-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charleston, South Carolina, costs between $515 and $1,428, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $230 - $263
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $21
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Charleston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $515 - $944
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $561 - $1,214
- 4+ bedrooms: $708 - $1,428
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $515 - $1,428 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Charleston. Fuel alone runs ($230 - $263) , and overnight lodging ($161/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $750.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $230 - $263 for the 675-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $348, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $161 per night for hotel stops on the 675-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $322 - $482.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Charleston?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Charleston, South Carolina, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,102 and $2,153.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Charleston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,662
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,444 - $2,907
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $80 and $161.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly five hours typically average $750.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Charleston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Philadelphia to Charleston. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Charleston, SC
Day-to-day costs in Charleston are close to what you're used to in Philadelphia: cost of living index of 112 versus 104, with average rent of $2,500/mo compared to $1,695/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 75/100 and 33.91/100 in Philadelphia versus 40/100 and 55.03/100 in Charleston.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston, SC to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to South Carolina, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 106 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 675-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Charleston, SC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,506 for a studio to $8,192 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 675-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,126 - $3,667. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $515 - $1,428, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,184 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Charleston and Medical University of South Carolina.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Charleston, SC
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($230 - $263), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $161/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. South Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Charleston a safe place to live?
Charleston has a safety index of 55.03 out of 100 and a crime index of 44.97, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
