Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Sacramento moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Sacramento 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 Sacramento.
- 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 Sacramento?
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 | $1,181 – $5,031 | $1,399 – $3,625 | $1,541 – $2,783 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,706 – $7,441 | $2,482 – $4,927 | $1,636 – $3,557 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,973 – $10,738 | $3,391 – $7,069 | $2,151 – $4,279 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Sacramento
When planning a move to Sacramento from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,181 and $5,031. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,706 and $7,441 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,973 to $10,738.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Sacramento
When you’re heading from Charleston to Sacramento, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,399 and $3,625. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,482 and $4,927. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,391 to $7,069. 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 Sacramento
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Sacramento 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 $1,541 to $2,783. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,636 to $3,557, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Sacramento costs around $2,151 to $4,279.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Sacramento

What to know before moving from Charleston to Sacramento
Many movers find Sacramento easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 50% less for singles and 22% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,656 for one person in Sacramento versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,191 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $2,080 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,540 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 24% less expensive in Sacramento than in Charleston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 15% cheaper in Sacramento than in Charleston.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 27% greater in Sacramento than in Charleston, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Sacramento. The cost of living for a single person there is 50% below that of Charleston.
- A move to Sacramento can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 22% lower compared to Charleston.
- Sacramento has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 93%. 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 are nearly equal in both Sacramento and Charleston (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- 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 Sacramento:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $356.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $61.14 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.58 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.27 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $47.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Sacramento, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Sacramento.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Sacramento.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Sacramento.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Sacramento.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Sacramento.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Sacramento
| Charleston | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 524,943 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 67 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 49.21 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 50.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Sacramento’s population is about 249% greater than Charleston.
- Sacramento’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Sacramento is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Sacramento 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.
- Sacramento’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 49.21 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Sacramento is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 50.79 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Sacramento is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Sacramento move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Sacramento 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 Sacramento. 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 Sacramento
With your sights set on Almond Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Sacramento.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- East Sacramento
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Sacramento. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, and Old Sacramento.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley 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 Sacramento Kings (NBA)Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
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