Top Charleston, SC to Los Angeles, CA Movers

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

1. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
5. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to California will cost between $1,442 and $6,123. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to CA will range from $4,507 to $9,443, and a large move from South Carolina to California will cost from $8,225 to $14,473.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to California

Moving from South Carolina to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,696 and $3,973. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,752 to $6,139. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,067 up to $7,931. 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 $1,742 to $3,406. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,943 to $4,134, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Carolina to California costs around $2,407 to $4,973.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 18% higher than in Charleston.
• The home prices in Los Angeles are 323.5% higher than in Charleston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Los Angeles, where incomes are, on average, 20.4% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Los Angeles. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 26.0% lower than in Charleston.
• If you're moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 16.8% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 165.00% higher than in Charleston.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 5.56% higher than what you are paying in Charleston.
• State income taxes in Los Angeles are 90.00% higher than in Charleston.

• Los Angeles's population is about 2,443% greater than Charleston.
• Los Angeles's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower 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 they are 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.

• Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Los Angeles without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Los Angeles is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Los Angeles, such as the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• 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), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.