Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Charleston to Philadelphia costs $650–$6,212 and takes one to six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 675-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to Charleston guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Charleston to Philadelphia
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Charleston to Philadelphia isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to PA move
Local moving companies in Charleston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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
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 Philadelphia?
Charleston movers charge $134 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 | $1,304 - $4,281 | $922 - $2,140 | $646 - $1,115 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,683 - $6,212 | $1,561 - $3,181 | $650 - $1,394 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,687 - $9,299 | $2,133 - $4,210 | $870 - $1,738 |
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Pennsylvania
Planning a move from South Carolina to Pennsylvania? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,304 and $4,281. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,683 and $6,212 for the same journey (SC to PA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,687 to $9,299.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Pennsylvania
If you’re relocating from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, you’ll typically spend between $922 and $2,140 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,561 up to $3,181. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,133 and $4,210. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Pennsylvania
A moving rental truck 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 $646 to $1,115. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $650 to $1,394, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Carolina to Pennsylvania costs around $870 to $1,738.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Philadelphia
What to know before moving from Charleston to Philadelphia
Moving from Charleston to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charleston compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $559,231 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 32% lower than in Charleston, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 61.2% lower than in Charleston. - You’re likely to make a higher income living in Philadelphia, where incomes are, on average, 13.6% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 52.1% lower than in Charleston.
- A move to Philadelphia can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21.5% less than what it costs in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 165.00% higher than in Charleston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the city's sales taxes in Philadelphia are 11.11% lower than in Charleston.
- One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.14% lower than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,438.30 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 150,277 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 50 |
| Crime Index | 66.09 | 44.97 |
| Safety Index | 33.91 | 55.03 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 967% greater than Charleston.
- Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 66.09 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 33.91 vs Charleston's 55.03.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in Charleston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Philadelphia move
- Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
- 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, 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 Philadelphia Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Now that you've decided to make the move to Philly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
Now that you've made the move to Pennsylvania it's the perfect time to explore Philadelphia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Philadelphia, such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Philadelphia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Philadelphia You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Philadelphia?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Philadelphia are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Philadelphia take?
The 675-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Philadelphia, PA, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Philadelphia.
