Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to St. Petersburg moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg.
- 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 St. Petersburg?
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 | $1,021 – $2,958 | $643 – $1,480 | $381 – $746 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,753 – $4,705 | $1,161 – $2,144 | $414 – $852 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,123 – $7,226 | $1,589 – $2,864 | $511 – $1,055 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to St. Petersburg
When planning a move to St. Petersburg from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,021 and $2,958. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,753 and $4,705 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,123 to $7,226.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to St. Petersburg
When you’re heading from Charleston to St. Petersburg, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $643 and $1,480. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,161 and $2,144. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,589 to $2,864. 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 St. Petersburg
A moving rental truck from Charleston to St. Petersburg 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 $381 to $746. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $414 to $852, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to St. Petersburg costs around $511 to $1,055.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to St. Petersburg
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to St. Petersburg may only cost $1,376, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,709.
- 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 ($381–$960), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to St. Petersburg
Many movers find St. Petersburg easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 50% less for singles and 22% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,642 for one person in St. Petersburg versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,178 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $360,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $64,374 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,642 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,178 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 4.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 17% less expensive in St. Petersburg 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 36% cheaper in St. Petersburg than in Charleston.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between St. Petersburg and Charleston are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in St. Petersburg. The cost of living for a single person there is 50% below that of Charleston.
- A move to St. Petersburg 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.
- St. Petersburg has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 15%. 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 22% cheaper in St. Petersburg compared to Charleston. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus St. Petersburg:
| Living Expense | Charleston | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | |
| Gym membership | $29.17 |
How life is different in Charleston vs. St. Petersburg
| Charleston | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 259,343 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 59 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 39.54 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 60.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Petersburg’s population is about 73% greater than Charleston.
- St. Petersburg’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- St. Petersburg is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, St. Petersburg 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.
- St. Petersburg’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 39.54 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- St. Petersburg is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 60.46 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in St. Petersburg is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to St. Petersburg move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and St. Petersburg 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Florida, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Florida, 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 St. Petersburg. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in St. Petersburg
With your sights set on Always in Season, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in St. Petersburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- North Downtown
- North Shore
- Crescent Lake
- Uptown
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Crescent Heights
- Holiday Park
- Euclid-St. Paul
- Magnolia Heights
- Snell Isle
Things to do in St. Petersburg
With your move to Florida complete, you can dive right into experiencing St. Petersburg. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: St. Petersburg is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, Duncan McClellan Gallery, and Imagine Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sawgrass Lake Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Vinoy Park, and Skyway Fishing Pier State 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 Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship Soccer)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL – Located in nearby Tampa)St. Petersburg AquaticsSt. Petersburg CardinalsSt. Petersburg Devil RaysSt. Petersburg FCSt. Petersburg Kickers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to St. Petersburg?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to St. Petersburg? 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 St. Petersburg take?
The 458-mile move from Charleston, SC, to St. Petersburg, , takes one to four 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 St. Petersburg.
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
Popular South Carolina routes
- South Carolina to Florida car shippers
- South Carolina to California movers
- South Carolina to Florida movers
- South Carolina to Georgia movers
- South Carolina to Illinois movers
- South Carolina to Michigan movers
- South Carolina to New York movers
- South Carolina to North Carolina movers
- South Carolina to Ohio movers
- South Carolina to Pennsylvania movers
- South Carolina to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!