Top-rated movers to make your Chattanooga to Charleston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Chattanooga that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed six top local movers in Chattanooga who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Chattanooga to Charleston.
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All Out Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Elizabeth’s Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Pricing: $130/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 1906318
Alternate Names: Good Guys of Chattanooga, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3241000
Alternate Names: All Out Moving & Storage – Chattanooga Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Chattanooga 081 LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2438253
Alternate Names: Elizabeth’s Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga to Charleston?
In Tennessee, moving services typically cost around $123 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,030 – $3,226 | $601 – $1,547 | $343 – $690 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,965 – $5,075 | $1,100 – $2,304 | $377 – $786 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,267 – $6,896 | $1,503 – $2,803 | $502 – $924 |
Cost to hire movers from Chattanooga to Charleston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Charleston from Chattanooga, you can expect prices to land between $1,030 and $3,226. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,965 to $5,075 for the trip from Chattanooga to Charleston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,267 and $6,896.
Cost of moving containers from Chattanooga to Charleston
Moving containers from Chattanooga to Charleston will cost you $601 to $1,547 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,100 to $2,304. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,503 to $2,803. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chattanooga to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Chattanooga to Charleston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $343 and $690 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $377 to $786. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $502 to $924.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chattanooga to Charleston move

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Charleston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Charleston runs about 61% higher for singles and 81% higher for families than Chattanooga.
Singles spend around $5,300 in Chattanooga versus $3,300 in Chattanooga; families pay $7,890 compared with $4,350.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chattanooga | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,517 | $2,529 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,138 | $4,487 |
| Average home value | $302,565 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,300 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,350 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Planning a move to Charleston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 69% higher than in Chattanooga, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Charleston are about 85% higher than those in Chattanooga.
- In terms of average income, Charleston and Chattanooga are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Charleston, as living costs for a single person are 61% higher than in Chattanooga. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 81% higher than in Chattanooga.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is about 29% lower than in Chattanooga. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Charleston and Chattanooga (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chattanooga and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Chattanooga | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.78 | $156.99 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.00 | $54.78 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.92 | $4.55 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.58 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $29.17 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chattanooga than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chattanooga than in Charleston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chattanooga than in Charleston.
- Bread costs less in Chattanooga than in Charleston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chattanooga than in Charleston.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chattanooga than in Charleston.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Charleston
| Chattanooga | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 181,099 | 150,277 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 50 |
| Crime index | 53.89 | 44.97 |
| Safety index | 46.11 | 55.03 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 17% less than Chattanooga.
- Charleston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Chattanooga, making them very similar.
- Charleston is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Chattanooga’s 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 50 out of 100, Charleston is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Charleston’s crime rate is lower than Chattanooga with a score of 44.97 compared to Chattanooga’s 53.89. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Charleston is considered to be safer than Chattanooga with a safety index of 55.03 vs Chattanooga’s 46.11.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Chattanooga it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Planning your move to The Holy City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Harleston Village
- James Island
- North Charleston
- South of Broad West Ashley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Mount Pleasant
- Park Circle
- Stiles Point
- Summerville
- Wagener Terrace
Things to do in Charleston
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Fort Sumter National Monument, Nathaniel Russell House, Old Slave Mart Museum, and The Charleston Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Charleston?
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Charleston?
How long does a move from Chattanooga to Charleston take?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Chattanooga?
Helpful moving resources
Chattanooga moving services
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