($1,020) Cost to Move From Arlington, VA to Charleston, SC

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Cost to hire movers from Arlington to Charleston

When planning a move to Charleston from Arlington, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,020 and $3,106. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,830 and $4,701 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,482 to $7,039.

Cost of moving containers from Arlington to Charleston

When you’re heading from Arlington to Charleston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $652 and $1,668. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,251 and $2,233. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,553 to $3,057. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Virginia easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Arlington to Charleston

A moving rental truck from Arlington to Charleston is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $443 to $768. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $437 to $975, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Arlington to Charleston costs around $595 to $1,108.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 8% less expensive in Charleston than in Arlington, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 31% cheaper in Charleston than in Arlington.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 51% less in Charleston than in Arlington.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person there is 23% below that of Arlington.
• A move to Charleston can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 34% lower compared to Arlington.
• Charleston and Arlington have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• Sales taxes in Charleston surpass those in Arlington by 50%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 22% more in South Carolina than in Virginia. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Charleston’s population is about 37% less than Arlington.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Arlington’s score of 9.
• Charleston is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Arlington’s 71 out of 100.
• Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
• Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 44.97 compared to Arlington’s 15.67. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
• Charleston is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 55.03 vs Arlington’s 79.15.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Arlington it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Arlington and Charleston are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.

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

With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Charleston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.