Quick answer: For a 662-mile move from Charleston to Dayton, expect to spend around $531 – $5,709 and one to six days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you’re going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Dayton to Charleston.
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Best professional movers from Charleston to Dayton
A full-service mover can streamline every step of your interstate move from Charleston to Dayton. While they handle the packing, loading, and transportation, you’re free to focus on securing your new home, planning your first few weeks, or just taking a breath before the next chapter begins.
There are 4 interstate moving companies in Charleston, below, you’ll find our top recommendations equipped to get you to Dayton efficiently and with minimal stress.
What moving services are available in Charleston?
How we chose the best movers SC→OH movers
Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Dayton moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Dayton, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charleston to Dayton.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Dayton?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,171 – $3,685 | $741 – $1,918 | $538 – $939 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,158 – $5,709 | $1,389 – $2,738 | $531 – $1,081 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,907 – $7,555 | $1,857 – $3,515 | $676 – $1,308 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Dayton
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Dayton, you can expect to spend between $1,171 and $3,685. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,158 to $5,709 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Dayton typically runs between $3,907 and $7,555.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Dayton
When moving from Charleston to Dayton, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $741 and $1,918. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,389 to $2,738. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,857 up to $3,515. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Dayton
Renting a moving truck Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Dayton. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $538 and $939. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $531 and $1,081. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $676 and $1,308.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Dayton

What to know before moving from Charleston to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 70% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
Charleston | Dayton | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,192 |
Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $1,683 |
Average home value | $559,231 | $135,815 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $62,673 |
Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.8% |
Sales tax | 9.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 63% lower in Dayton than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 76% lower in Dayton than in Charleston.
- The average income in Dayton and Charleston is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Dayton, where the cost of living for a single person is 70% less than in Charleston.
- Moving to Dayton could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 52% less than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Dayton is 70% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 17% lower in Dayton than in Charleston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Dayton can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 50% lower in Ohio compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Dayton:
Living Expense | Charleston | Dayton |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $156.99 | $200.37 |
Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $44.17 |
Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.02 |
Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.61 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $57.50 |
Gym membership | $29.17 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charleston than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Charleston than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Charleston than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charleston than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charleston than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Dayton.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Dayton
Charleston | Dayton | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 137,644 |
Transportation score | 3 | 6 |
Walkability score | 40 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 47 |
Crime index | 44.97 | 4.0 |
Safety index | 55.03 | 40.68 |
Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is about 8% less than Charleston.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Dayton is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- Dayton has a bike-friendliness score of 47 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Charleston, which has a score of 50.
- Dayton’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 4.0 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 40.68 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Dayton move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Dayton smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Dayton
Now that you’ve chosen Gem City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Dayton to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Dayton is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Dayton offers cultural landmarks like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
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