Highly rated local moving companies for Charleston to Portland moves
Organizing a move from Charleston to Portland 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 Portland.
- 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 Portland?
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 | $1,290 – $5,170 | $1,462 – $3,719 | $1,569 – $3,166 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,659 – $7,578 | $2,414 – $5,108 | $1,784 – $3,696 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,392 – $11,981 | $3,335 – $7,485 | $2,061 – $4,717 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Portland
When planning a move to Portland from Charleston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,290 and $5,170. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,659 and $7,578 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,392 to $11,981.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Portland
When you’re heading from Charleston to Portland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,462 and $3,719. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,414 and $5,108. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,335 to $7,485. 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 Portland
A moving rental truck from Charleston to Portland 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 $1,569 to $3,166. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,784 to $3,696, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Portland costs around $2,061 to $4,717.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Charleston to Portland
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Portland may only cost $2,551, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,635.
- 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 ($1,569–$3,895), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Portland
Many movers find Portland easier on the wallet than Charleston – roughly 51% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,572 for one person in Portland versus $5,300 in Charleston. For a family of four, it’s $6,077 compared with $7,890.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Charleston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,529 | $1,825 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,487 | $3,410 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $85,876 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,300 | $2,572 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,890 | $6,077 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 9.9% |
- Rent is about 39% less expensive in Portland 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 7% cheaper in Portland than in Charleston.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 38% greater in Portland than in Charleston, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Portland. The cost of living for a single person there is 51% below that of Charleston.
- A move to Portland 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 23% lower compared to Charleston.
- Portland has a higher unemployment rate than Charleston by about 73%. 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.
- Portland has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Charleston. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 41% more in Oregon than in South Carolina. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Charleston versus Portland:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $156.99 | $211.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $66.74 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $4.64 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $4.11 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $95.00 |
| Gym membership | $29.17 | $37.76 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Portland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Portland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Portland.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Portland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Portland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Portland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Portland.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Portland
| Charleston | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 652,503 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 81 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 92 |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 57.37 |
| Safety index | 55.03 | 42.63 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Portland’s population is about 334% greater than Charleston.
- Portland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
- Portland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 81 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 92 out of 100, Portland 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.
- Portland’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 57.37 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Portland is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 42.63 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
- Air quality in Portland is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Portland move
- HOA rules: Costs across Charleston and Portland 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: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Oregon, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Oregon, 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 Portland. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Portland
With your sights set on Bridgetown, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Portland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Northwest
- Buckman
- Goose Hollow
- Eliot
- Richmond
- Pearl
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Park
- Hillsdale
- Irvington
- Sellwood-Moreland
- Southwest Hills
Things to do in Portland
With your move to Oregon complete, you can dive right into experiencing Portland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Portland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oregon Historical Society, and Oregon Maritime Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Forest Park, Hoyt Arboretum, and Mount Tabor 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 Portland Trailblazers (NBA)Portland Timbers (MLS)Portland Thorns (NWSL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Portland?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Charleston to Portland. 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 Portland?
Want to save on your move from Charleston to Portland? 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 Portland take?
The 2,900-mile move from Charleston, SC, to Portland, , takes seven to 21 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 Portland.
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
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