Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Austin to Charleston costs $1,055–$7,788 and takes two to eight 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 1,248-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Austin 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 Austin to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Austin to Charleston can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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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 TX to SC move
The top local movers servicing Austin to Charleston moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Austin that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. 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 Austin 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 Austin to Charleston.
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Greater Austin Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 006252715C
Years in Business: 24
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 000536737B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of South Austin
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 #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Charleston?
Austin movers charge $90 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 | $1,497 - $6,076 | $1,191 - $2,917 | $1,005 - $1,937 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,366 - $7,788 | $2,051 - $4,163 | $1,055 - $2,281 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,029 - $10,251 | $2,835 - $5,301 | $1,288 - $2,542 |
Cost to hire movers from Texas to South Carolina
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Texas to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,497 and $6,076. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,366 to $7,788 for the trip from TX to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $6,029 and $10,251.
Cost of moving containers from Texas to South Carolina
When you're heading from Texas to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,191 and $2,917. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,051 and $4,163. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,835 to $5,301. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,005 and $1,937. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,055 to $2,281. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,288 and $2,542.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Austin to Charleston
What to know before moving from Austin to Charleston
Moving from Austin to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Austin, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Austin | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,765 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,345 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,815 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 42% higher than in Austin.
- The home prices in Charleston are 9.9% higher than in Austin, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Charleston is 8.7% lower than in Austin, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston — including Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 58.4% higher than in Austin. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Charleston and Austin.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 14.29% higher than in Austin.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 9.09% higher than what you are paying in Austin.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 7.00% higher than in Austin.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,753.36 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Austin.
How life is different in Austin vs. Charleston
| Charleston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 974,447 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 50 | 54 |
| Crime Index | 44.97 | 42.91 |
| Safety Index | 55.03 | 59.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 85% less than Austin.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Austin's higher score of 5.
- Charleston and Austin are similarily walkable.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 50 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100.
- Charleston and Austin have a similar crime rate.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 55.03 vs Austin's 59.87.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Austin it's good.
Other things to consider for your Austin vs. Charleston move
- Weather: Consider moving to Charleston around October, April and May as these are the most pleasant months, while July and August are the least comfortable ones due to thunderstorms which can cause delays in your moving plans.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in South Carolina, 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 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Charleston
With your sights set on Holy City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to South Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Charleston From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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, The Charleston Museum, and Gibbes Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Middleton Place, Battery & White Point Gardens, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Charleston?
The best time to move from Austin to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Austin to Charleston in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Austin to Charleston take?
The 1,248-mile move from Austin, TX, to Charleston, SC, takes two to eight days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
