Top Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago 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 Illinois

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Illinois will cost between $1,322 and $5,303. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to IL will range from $2,941 to $7,221, and a large move from South Carolina to Illinois will cost from $4,959 to $9,790.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Illinois

When you're heading from South Carolina to Illinois, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,034 and $2,342. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,892 and $3,425. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,400 to $4,582. 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 South Carolina to Illinois

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $735 and $1,477 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $786 to $1,635. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,027 to $2,070.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Rent prices in Chicago are 18% lower than in Charleston, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
  Home prices in Chicago are 47.1% lower than in Charleston.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 14.9% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chicago. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31.2% lower than in Charleston.
• If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 17.4% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 125.00% higher than in Charleston.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 13.89% higher than what you are paying in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 29.29% lower than in Charleston.

• The population of Chicago is about 1,728% 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.
• Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 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 Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. Chicago is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 77 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, Chicago 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. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 50 out of 100.
• Chicago has a lower crime rate than Charleston based on scores of 35.19 and Charleston's 44.97, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than Charleston, whose index is 55.03. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in Chicago and Charleston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Illinois, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chicago Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.