Quick answer: A typical 1,248-mile move from Charleston to Austin runs $1,097–$7,255 and takes two to eight days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Austin to Charleston guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Charleston to Austin

Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Charleston to Austin can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.

Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to TX movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The top local movers servicing Charleston to Austin moves

It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Austin. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.

Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Charleston to Austin.

  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
https://www.facebook.com/smoothmovecharleston/, https://twitter.com/gosmoothmove?lang=en
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Smooth Move Charleston means you'll likely be impressed. Out of 270 customer inputs, 94% praised the company for efficient service, professional staff, careful handling of possessions, clear communication, and a smooth moving process. Multiple people noted easy scheduling, as well as fast, cautious crews that often finished under budget and with no surprises.
Customers described their moves as stress-free with property and valuables respected throughout. Hardworking, fast-moving teams and personable attitudes have made these movers stand out when compared to others in the industry. Negative input made up just 5%, with issues concentrated around property damage, unprofessional conduct, or communication gaps. These incidents involved broken or lost items and inconsistent follow-up, which customers found frustrating. Overall, most people felt their belongings were handled safely and the staff was knowledgeable and courteous. Few companies in Charleston earn the consistent, high marks for reliability and skill Smooth Move Charleston receives from its customers.
Show more
Get a Quote (843) 860-9717

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
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySonsCharleston/, https://twitter.com/AllMySonsMoving
62% of all reviews were positive
38% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Strong word of mouth powers All My Sons Moving & Storage, with 62% of customer input praising the team's efficiency, careful handling, professional attitude, and quick pace. Clients frequently mention courteous crews and movers who ensure belongings arrive undamaged—qualities that set them apart from many competitors. On the downside, 38% warn of damages to items, extra or unexpected charges, and poor communication, including unresolved complaints and higher-than-quoted bills.
Two reviews report slow or inconsistent follow-up on damages and pricing disputes—much more critical than what customers typically see from rivals. The broad review base of 346 entries gives a clear picture: All My Sons is recognized for reliable, fast work, but also criticized for lapses in property care and billing transparency.
Show more
Get a Quote (843) 202-4860

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
https://www.facebook.com/LowCountryMoving/,
90% of all reviews were positive
10% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Low Country Moving, LLC receives high praise from most customers, with 233 out of 260 feedback entries (nearly 90%) recommending their services. Clients consistently report efficient and quick service, professional and courteous staff, careful handling of items, and solid communication. Many say booking is easy and pricing is straightforward, noting experiences that are smoother than with larger national firms.
On the downside, some report instances of damaged items, especially when furniture is not packed as securely as expected. There are also complaints about poor packing quality and communication breakdowns when resolving claims. Compared to other movers, this company stands out for its speed, reliability, and professional attitude, though attention to packing details is vital for higher-value items. Persistent issues around item care and follow-up detract from an otherwise stellar reputation.
Show more
Get a Quote (843) 737-1279

Company Info

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2362770


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
https://www.facebook.com/ReadsMovers/,
52% of all reviews were positive
44% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers spotlight professional and friendly crews, careful handling of belongings, efficient and organized moves, reliable communication, and consistent high recommendations for Reads Moving Systems of Carolina. Over half (51.9%) of the 129 reviews are positive, highlighting respectful treatment and punctual service. Feedback frequently mentions staff professionalism, strong communication, and movers who go out of their way to ensure a seamless experience.
On the other hand, a significant portion (44.2%) of reviews point out issues, especially property damage, poor communication, and discourteous behavior. Item breakage and missing goods appear in numerous complaints. Compared to some moving companies, Reads stands out for responsiveness and care when things go smoothly, but negative input often focuses on resolving claims and recognizing problems. Customers seeking careful movers and courteous staff report excellent results, but those valuing faultless communication and damage-free moves should carefully weigh recent feedback.
Show more
Get a Quote (843) 285-7374

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
62% of all reviews were positive
35% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking.
On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

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

How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Austin?

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 $1,409 - $5,718 $1,191 - $2,723 $985 - $1,882
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,136 - $7,255 $2,092 - $4,163 $1,097 - $2,106
4+ bedrooms $5,402 - $9,952 $2,669 - $5,626 $1,301 - $2,756
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,248 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Texas

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Texas typically costs between $1,409 and $5,718. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,136 and $7,255 when moving from SC to TX. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from South Carolina to Texas, you're looking at costs ranging from $5,402 up to $9,952.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Texas

If you're moving from South Carolina to Texas, expect to pay between $1,191 and $2,723 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,092 up to $4,163. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,669 and $5,626. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Texas

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $985 and $1,882. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,097 and $2,106. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,301 and $2,756.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Austin movetoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Austin might cost as little as $1,409, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,487.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charleston, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $985 to $2,519 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Austin

Moving from Charleston to Austin 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 Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charleston compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charleston Austin
Average rent cost $2,500 $1,765
Average home value $559,231 $508,841
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $68,258
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $3,345
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $7,815
Unemployment rate 4.0% 3.5%
Sales tax 9.0% 8.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Austin are 29% 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 Austin.
    Home prices in Austin are 9.0% lower than in Charleston.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Austin, where incomes are, on average, 9.6% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Austin include Keller Williams Realty, Whole Foods Market, and Arrow Value Recovery.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Austin. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 36.9% lower than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Austin and Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Austin is 12.50% lower than in Charleston.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the city's sales taxes in Austin are 8.33% lower than in Charleston.
  • One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,893.40 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Austin

Austin Charleston
Population 974,447 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 42 40
Bike friendliness score 54 50
Crime Index 42.91 44.97
Safety Index 59.87 55.03
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Austin is about 548% 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.
  • Austin offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Austin has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • You'll find Austin to be about as walkable as Charleston. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 42 and 40 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, Austin 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. Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 50 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Austin as Charleston. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Austin than in Charleston, based on Austin's safety index of 59.87 versus 55.03 for Charleston. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Austin 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.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Austin move

  • Weather: Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
  • 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-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Texas, 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 Austin Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Austin

Ready to relocate to ATX? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Austin.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cherrywood
  • North University
  • Old West Austin
  • South Lamar
  • Zilker

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Rollingwood
  • West Lake
  • Brushy Creek
  • Cedar Park
  • Shady Hollow

Things to do in Austin

Once you're settled into your new home in Texas, it's time to get out and discover what Austin has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Austin, such as the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, Blanton Museum of Art, and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — 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 Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charleston to Austin?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Austin 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 Austin?

Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Austin 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 Austin take?

The 1,248-mile journey from Charleston, SC to Austin, TX, typically takes two to eight 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 Austin.

Helpful moving resources