Top-rated local movers that handle Pittsburgh to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Pittsburgh 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 11 local movers in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Charleston.
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00121505
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8923758
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Summit Moving and Storage Inc , All My Sons of Pittsburgh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston?
Movers in Pennsylvania charge $143 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 | $1,061 – $3,443 | $706 – $1,706 | $473 – $931 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,141 – $5,130 | $1,323 – $2,608 | $542 – $1,030 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,835 – $7,424 | $1,700 – $3,153 | $638 – $1,259 |
Cost to hire movers from Pittsburgh to Charleston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Charleston, you can expect to spend between $1,061 and $3,443. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,141 to $5,130 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Charleston typically runs between $3,835 and $7,424.
Cost of moving containers from Pittsburgh to Charleston
When moving from Pittsburgh to Charleston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $706 and $1,706. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,323 to $2,608. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,700 up to $3,153. 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 Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Renting a moving truck in Pittsburgh 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 $473 and $931. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $542 and $1,030. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $638 and $1,259.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Pittsburgh to Charleston
The cost of Pittsburgh movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,637, but larger homes can run up to $6,230.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Pittsburgh.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($473–$1,203) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 149% higher for singles and 57% higher for families than Pittsburgh.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Pittsburgh versus $2,129 in Pittsburgh; families pay $7,890 compared with $5,011.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Pittsburgh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,710 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,917 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,129 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,011 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Charleston, note that rent can be roughly 67% more expensive than it is in Pittsburgh; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 151% higher in Charleston than in Pittsburgh.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 15% higher in Charleston compared to Pittsburgh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person is 149% more than in Pittsburgh. 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 57% more than it is in Pittsburgh.
- Charleston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 44% lower than that of Pittsburgh. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 29% higher in Charleston than in Pittsburgh. 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 128% higher in South Carolina compared to Pennsylvania. 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 Pittsburgh with Charleston:
| Living Expense | Pittsburgh | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.34 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.44 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.62 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Charleston
| Pittsburgh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 50 |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 62.26 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 50% less than Pittsburgh.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Pittsburgh’s score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh’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 Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Pittsburgh with a score of 44.97 compared to Pittsburgh’s 37.74. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 55.03 vs Pittsburgh’s 62.26.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Pittsburgh it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Pittsburgh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to Charleston take?
A move of 654 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to Charleston, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Pittsburgh sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Charleston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Pittsburgh offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 8 movers in Pittsburgh have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across PA, there are 77 piano movers and 55 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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