Top Charleston, SC to San Jose, CA Movers

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

1. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
3. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to California

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to California typically costs between $1,447 and $5,857. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,305 and $8,082 when moving from SC to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from South Carolina to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $7,475 up to $13,038.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to California

If you're relocating from South Carolina to California, you'll typically spend between $1,545 and $3,731 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,798 up to $6,072. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,665 and $7,880. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,699 and $3,357. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,784 to $4,076. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,419 and $4,857.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 24% higher than in Charleston.
• The home prices in San Jose are 159.9% 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 San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 33.9% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Jose. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 30.7% lower than in Charleston.
• If you're moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 5.9% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 65.00% higher than in Charleston.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 4.22% higher than what you are paying in Charleston.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 90.00% higher than in Charleston.

• The population of San Jose is about 546% greater than Charleston, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Jose means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. San Jose is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Charleston. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Charleston in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 50 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as Charleston. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• San Jose is generally as safe as Charleston, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in San Jose isn't as good as it is in Charleston, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Charleston is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

• Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Jose. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Burbank
• Downtown
• Evergreen
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for families

• Berryessa
• Cambrian Park
• Evergreen
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

Things to do in San Jose

Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Jose From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Jose include museums and art centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.