Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Los Angeles moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Los Angeles can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 10 local movers in Charleston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charleston to Los Angeles.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,214 – $4,906 | $1,323 – $3,322 | $1,376 – $2,637 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,339 – $7,267 | $2,212 – $4,933 | $1,564 – $3,234 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,341 – $10,916 | $3,140 – $6,703 | $1,864 – $3,734 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Los Angeles
When planning a move to Los Angeles from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,214 and $4,906. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,339 and $7,267 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,341 to $10,916.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Los Angeles
When you’re heading from Charleston to Los Angeles, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,323 and $3,322. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,212 and $4,933. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,140 to $6,703. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Los Angeles
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Los Angeles 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 $1,376 to $2,637. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,564 to $3,234, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Los Angeles costs around $1,864 to $3,734.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Los Angeles
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Los Angeles may only cost $2,398, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,047.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Charleston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,376–$3,372), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 10% higher for singles and 61% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Charleston versus $5,300 in Charleston; families pay $12,720 compared with $7,890.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 18% more expensive in Los Angeles than in Charleston. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 323% steeper in Los Angeles compared to Charleston.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 20% greater in Los Angeles than in Charleston, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Los Angeles, with the cost of living for a single person being 10% more than in Charleston. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Los Angeles, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 61% higher than in Charleston.
- Los Angeles has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 165%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Los Angeles surpass those in Charleston by 6%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 90% more in California than in South Carolina. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Los Angeles, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Los Angeles
| Charleston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 59 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 2443% greater than Charleston.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, Los Angeles is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Los Angeles’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 53.81 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 46.19 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Los Angeles move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Los Angeles are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Los Angeles. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Los Angeles
With your sights set on City of Angels, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Los Angeles. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Los Angeles. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Los Angeles? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Los Angeles take?
The 2,479-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Los Angeles, , takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Charleston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 6 movers in Charleston provide piano moving services. 4 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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