Local moving companies in Houston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
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: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- 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 #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Key factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Charleston
What to know before moving from Houston to Charleston
Moving from Houston to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Houston, 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:
Houston | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,549 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $263,945 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 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 61% higher than in Houston.
- The home prices in Charleston are 111.9% higher than in Houston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Charleston is 10.8% lower than in Houston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston โ including Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Boeing Company โ may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 91.3% higher than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- 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 10.2% higher than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 2.44% lower than in Houston.
- 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 Houston.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 7.00% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,740.07 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Charleston
Charleston | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 2,301,572 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
Walkability score | 40 | 47 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 49 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 63.5 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 36.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 93% less than Houston.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in Houston. Charleston has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Houston is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Charleston neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Houston. Based on its score of 40 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as Houston, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Charleston and Houston are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 50 and 49 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Charleston has a lower crime rate than Houston based on scores of 44.97 and Houston's 63.5, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Charleston than in Houston, based on Charleston's safety index of 55.03 versus 36.5 for Houston. 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 Charleston and Houston 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 Houston 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 regulationsโsome 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
Ready to relocate to Holy City? Here are some of the top 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
Once you're settled into your new home in South Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like 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 โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- 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 Houston to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Houston to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Houston to Charleston take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Charleston, SC covers 1,086 miles and usually takes two to eight days Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.