($1,447) Cost of Moving From South Carolina to California
Quick answer: When planning a move from South Carolina to California, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,941 to $9,215. Most relocations will take about seven–21 days. Your actual price can change depending on your home size, timing, and whether you go with a professional moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to South Carolina guide.
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The best South Carolina to California full-service movers
Planning a move from South Carolina to California? With endless movers to choose from, finding the right company can be stressful. We've made it easier by researching reviews, comparing pricing, and exploring services, so you can easily find the best interstate moving companies for your big move.
Start your move from South Carolina to California with these top-rated long-distance movers in South Carolina.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in South Carolina
Finding a trustworthy local moving company can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in South Carolina based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.
- HD Auston Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Carey Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
HD Auston Moving Systems
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 271654
Years in Business: 79
200 Pate Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 USHD Auston Moving Systems, with its home base in Greenville, SC, is a seasoned moving firm that has been in business since 1945. They offer a comprehensive selection of services which sets them apart from other local competitors. Offering both local and long-distance residential moving, they also extend services into office relocations. Their professional team is even equipped to handle special items, such as pianos. They pride themselves on their customer service, offering both packing and unpacking services, as well as crating services for those hard-to-pack or valuable items. Unlike many of its competitors, HD Auston Moving Systems accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, which adds to the convenience when planning a move. HD Auston Moving Systems has a varied online reputation with a modest 2.5 rating from 13 Yelp reviews, but a much stronger 4.7 average from an impressive 183 Google My Business reviews. This suggests that while there may be a few mixed opinions, the majority of customers are highly satisfied. Their Better Business Bureau rating of A+ further emphasizes their commitment to customer satisfaction and business ethics. Overall, HD Auston Moving Systems shows a long history of quality service and a robust client-friendly approach.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 271654
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 27
854 Kingswood Drive, Conway, SC 29526 USTwo Men and a Truck in Conway, SC, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 1999. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, catering to a wide range of moving needs. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Google from 456 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is well-regarded for its professionalism and customer satisfaction. Accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit make them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 9684-B
Alternative Business Names
- Reliable Service Group Inc
Ballantyne & Beyond Moving
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2557751
Years in Business: 16
1228 Transformation Ln, Fort Mill, SC 29707Ballantyne & Beyond Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Fort Mill, SC. Unlike many competitors, they extend their expertise to long-distance and international moves, as well as office relocations, and provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7-star average from 134 Google reviews, their reputation stands strong, although their Yelp average of 3.5 suggests some room for improvement. Flexible payment options, including credit cards and no required deposit, make them a convenient choice for a stress-free moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2557751
- State license #: 9784-A
Smooth Move Charleston
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2357653
Years in Business: 12
4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405 USSmooth Move Charleston has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Charleston, SC, since 2014. Known for their comprehensive offerings, which include packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out among other local movers. Consumer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google from 569 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Smooth Move Charleston accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your next move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2357653
- State license #: 9823
Alternative Business Names
- Go Smooth Move, LLC
Carey Moving & Storage
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 076235
Years in Business: 117
1 Shelter Drive, Greer, SC 29650 USCarey Moving & Storage has been serving Greer, SC, and its surrounding areas since 1908, offering reliable local residential moving services. Unlike some nearby movers, Carey also provides packing, unpacking, and crating services. Despite mixed reviews—with a low average rating on Yelp and a solid 4.1 rating on Google—the company maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, signaling overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a flexible and trusted choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 076235
- State license #: 2973
The best South Carolina to California moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in South Carolina and drops it off at your new home in California.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best South Carolina to California moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from South Carolina to California, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best South Carolina to California labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They'll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from South Carolina to California.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to CA move
How much does it cost to move from South Carolina to California?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from South Carolina to California. You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,447 - $6,540 | $1,620 - $4,108 | $1,670 - $3,300 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,379 - $9,215 | $2,818 - $5,980 | $1,941 - $4,129 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,068 - $14,262 | $3,799 - $8,293 | $2,356 - $4,918 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,504 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to California
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,447 and $6,540. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,379 to $9,215 for the trip from SC to CA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $8,068 and $14,262.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to California
Moving from South Carolina to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,620 and $4,108. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,818 to $5,980. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,799 up to $8,293. 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to California
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,670 to $3,300. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,941 to $4,129, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Carolina to California costs around $2,356 to $4,918.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to CA
There are many factors that influence South Carolina moving costs. The cost to move from South Carolina to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in South Carolina is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from SC to CA
If you’re moving from South Carolina to California, take a moment to see how your new state compares to your current one.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. California
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between South Carolina and California. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
| South Carolina | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,065 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $295,769 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,623 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.46% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 74% higher in California than in South Carolina. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in California to be about 161% more than what you'll find in South Carolina.
- Good news—you can expect to earn about 44% more in California than in South Carolina. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
- Moving to California means you’ll be paying 40% more than you did in South Carolina. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
- Unemployment in California is roughly 15% higher than in South Carolina. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
- Sales taxes are 16% higher in California than in South Carolina. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes in California are 90% higher than in South Carolina. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in California vs. South Carolina
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in California versus South Carolina across some essential lifestyle factors:
| California | South Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 5,373,555 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 1" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 28.0 |
- California is about 626% more populous than South Carolina. With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure—better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
- In the latest presidential election, California voted Democratic, while South Carolina chose Republican.
- Summer highs typically reach 87ºF in California and 91ºF in South Carolina. Since those temps are similar, adjusting to your new home’s climate should be a breeze. Just remember to also consider humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs for a true sense of what summer will be like.
- During winter, temperatures in California drop to around 59ºF, while South Carolina can plunge as low as 33ºF. Moving to California means you’ll enjoy milder winters—think easier living, lower costs, and more opportunities to get outside. If you’re looking to trade snow shovels for sunshine, this move is right up your alley.
- In California, you’ll get about 22 inches of rain each year, less than the 48 inches you’re used to in South Carolina. That means more sun, more time outside, and fewer weather hassles to hold you back.
- Each year, California gets about 7 inches of snow, while South Carolina sees only 1 inch. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep, upkeep, and plenty of cozy gear.
- California and South Carolina both have a crime rate of 28.0. Keep in mind, though, that crime levels can differ significantly between cities and neighborhoods, so it's smart to check local crime statistics for a more accurate view.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina vs. California
New beginnings can be really exciting. Here’s a quick comparison between life in California and South Carolina.
| Pros of living in South Carolina | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Warm southern hospitality | Ample economic opportunity |
| Plentiful outdoor activities | Pleasant weather |
| Beautiful landscapes | Abundant recreational options |
| Consistently gorgeous weather | High quality of life |
| Rich historical significance | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina vs. California
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect. Keep these points in mind as you make the move from South Carolina to California.
| Cons of living in South Carolina | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High cost of living |
| Hurricane frequency | Heavy tax burdens |
| Low quality of healthcare | Natural disasters |
| High taxes | Terrible traffic |
| Abundance of construction | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a California moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as "released value protection," at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in California
Get ready to discover all that California has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
