Moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston, SC
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Quick answer: Moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston costs $119–$4,168, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 97-mile route within South Carolina take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 52+ South Carolina moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
Moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 97-mile move:
Moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston costs between $119 and $4,168, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 97-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,154–$3,604 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,015–$1,795 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $121–$210 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $56/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 52+ South Carolina movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
A move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston runs $119 to $4,168, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs on this 97-mile route shift based on service type and home size, with the breakdown below:
- Full-service movers: $619–$4,168
- Moving containers: $765–$2,238
- Rental trucks: $119–$230
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower the cost by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you drive 97 miles and source your own labor.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $619–$2,964 | $765–$1,255 | $119–$182 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,154–$3,604 | $1,015–$1,795 | $121–$210 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,739–$4,168 | $1,272–$2,238 | $149–$230 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 52+ South Carolina moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Myrtle Beach to Charleston move?
Common extra fees on a Myrtle Beach to Charleston move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. None of these typically appear on initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $56/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Myrtle Beach to Charleston
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Myrtle Beach to Charleston, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 97 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout South Carolina, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 97 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More South Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Charleston to Myrtle Beach guide.
How does Charleston compare to Myrtle Beach?
Cost of living: Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston
The cost of living in Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston goes beyond housing prices. This section breaks down the financial factors that shape your day-to-day budget, including rent, home values, income, daily expenses, and employment rates, so you can see how life in Charleston stacks up against Myrtle Beach.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Myrtle Beach | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,850 | $2,500 |
| Average home cost | $342,298 | $468,536 |
| Average income (per capita) | $53,679 | $90,038 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,388 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,791 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 4.0% |
| Average sales tax | 9.0% | 9.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Myrtle Beach and Charleston comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 52+ South Carolina cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Charleston are 35% higher than in Myrtle Beach. Negotiate a cost-of-living adjustment or factor the gap into your relocation budget.
- Home prices in Charleston are 37% higher than Myrtle Beach. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Salaries in Charleston average 68% higher than Myrtle Beach. Match your salary to local rates rather than your current pay band when negotiating.
- Living expenses for one person in Charleston run 122% higher than Myrtle Beach. The gap typically lands on rent, groceries, and transportation.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 here runs 65% higher than Myrtle Beach. The premium is significant enough to factor into salary negotiations or school selection.
- Unemployment in Charleston is 47% lower than Myrtle Beach. A relocating professional with a current role can expect strong inbound recruiter activity.
- Sales taxes are equal in Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Retail spending remains level through the move.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,660 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Myrtle Beach.
How life is different in Myrtle Beach vs. Charleston
Life in Charleston vs. Myrtle Beach differs across weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. All of these factors shape your day-to-day experience. The side-by-side comparison below helps you decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Myrtle Beach | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,682 | 150,277 |
| Political leaning | Republican 66-33 | Democratic 56-43 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 52" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 58.06 | 44.97 |
- Charleston is around 321% larger in size than Myrtle Beach. Larger cities offer more career and cultural depth, but housing costs and density rise accordingly.
- In the last presidential election, Charleston leaned Democratic, while Myrtle Beach went Republican.
- Summer highs in Charleston (89°F) match Myrtle Beach (89°F). Plan for the same AC load and seasonal pace.
- Winter lows in Myrtle Beach (35°F) and Charleston (39°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Myrtle Beach (52 inches) and Charleston (48 inches) is similar. No adjustment to outdoor or commuting routines.
- Annual snowfall in Charleston is zero, while Myrtle Beach averages 1 inch. Snow tires, plowing services, and winter gear become unnecessary expenses.
- Crime index in Charleston (44.97) runs lower than Myrtle Beach (58.06). Insurance costs and security investment typically drop accordingly.
Things to do in Charleston
Charleston balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Charleston
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- The Charleston Museum
- Gibbes Museum of Art
Parks in Charleston
- Middleton Place
- Battery & White Point Gardens
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
- Hampton Park
Sports teams in Charleston
- Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League)
Universities in Charleston
- Charleston School of Law
- The Citadel College of Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina
Final verdict: best movers from Myrtle Beach to Charleston
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Myrtle Beach to Charleston, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide South Carolina service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $119–$4,168 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 52+ South Carolina movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Myrtle Beach to Charleston
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
A professional moving company from Myrtle Beach to Charleston charges $566–$2,535 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices run $1,154–$3,604. For a home with 4 or more bedrooms, expect to pay $1,739–$4,168.
How much are moving container companies from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
Moving containers from Myrtle Beach to Charleston typically cost as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices start around $489 and go up to $1,241. For a 2–3 bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,015 and $1,795. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to spend $1,272–$2,238.
How much is a moving truck from Myrtle Beach to Charleston?
A rental moving truck from Myrtle Beach to Charleston costs $111–$173 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $121–$210, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $149–$230.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, but require you to handle the driving and labor. The estimates above include estimated fuel cost.
How far in advance should I book Myrtle Beach-to-Charleston movers?
Book your move from Myrtle Beach to Charleston at least 2 months before your moving date for the smoothest experience. For a summer move, aim for at least 3 months in advance, since that's the busiest season. Locking in your Myrtle Beach-to-Charleston movers early helps you snag your preferred date and the best prices. Some moving companies sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts on advance bookings.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Charleston?
The cheapest time to move to Charleston is between early October and late April. A move outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
