Top local movers for Austin to Charleston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Austin that also provides long-distance services to Charleston can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 33 local movers in Austin who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Austin to Charleston.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
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
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 #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Charleston?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,148 – $4,947 | $861 – $2,240 | $733 – $1,400 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,554 – $6,031 | $1,653 – $3,226 | $867 – $1,665 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,399 – $8,444 | $2,154 – $4,148 | $1,039 – $2,221 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Charleston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Austin to Charleston typically costs between $1,148 and $4,947. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,554 and $6,031 when moving from Austin to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Austin to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,399 up to $8,444.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Charleston
If you’re relocating from Austin to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $861 and $2,240 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,653 up to $3,226. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,154 and $4,148. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Charleston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Austin to Charleston move, 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 $733 and $1,400. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $867 to $1,665. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,039 and $2,221.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Austin to Charleston
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Austin to Charleston might be as low as $2,373, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,653.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Austin.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $733 to $1,896 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Austin to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Austin – roughly 54% less for singles and 51% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.5% |
- Good news! When moving to Charleston from Austin, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 50% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 70% cheaper in Charleston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 13% lower in Charleston than in Austin.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person is 54% less compared to Austin.
- Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 51% lower than in Austin.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston exceeds that of Austin by about 77%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 15% lower in Charleston than Austin, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- West Virginia has a state income tax, while Texas 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Austin and Charleston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Austin | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Austin than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Austin than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Austin than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Charleston.
How life is different in Austin vs. Charleston
| Austin | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 28 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 95% less than Austin.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Austin’s score of 5.
- Charleston is less walkable than Austin with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Austin, which has a score of 54.
- Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 53.94 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 46.06 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Charleston move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in West Virginia, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Charleston
Ready to relocate to Charlie West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charleston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- East End
- West Side
- Kanawha City
- City Center
Best neighborhoods for families
- South Hills
- Edgewood
- Kanawha City
- Fort Hill
- Loudon Heights
Things to do in Charleston
Now that you’ve made the move to West Virginia, 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: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Austin to Charleston. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with 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?
Covering 1,244 miles, the move from Austin, TX to Charleston, typically takes two to eight days. Some Austin movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Austin offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Austin can handle specialty items for my move to Charleston?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Austin, 19 movers can handle pianos. 14 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Austin moving services
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