Quick answer: A typical 440-mile move from Chesapeake to Charleston runs $534–$5,617 and takes one to four days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Chesapeake guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Chesapeake to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Chesapeake to go to Charleston can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your Chesapeake to Charleston journey
Organizing a move from Chesapeake to Charleston can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Chesapeake known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chesapeake to Charleston.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Tidal Town Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3786641
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Of Newport News, LLC
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 #: 3320644
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Virginia Beach
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 163678
Years in Business: 69
DOT #: 1934458
Alternate Names: Harrison's Moving & Storage Co., Inc., Harrison's Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World Wide Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 4033059
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chesapeake to Charleston?
Chesapeake movers charge $125 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 | $1,310 - $3,573 | $835 - $1,907 | $453 - $834 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,180 - $5,617 | $1,466 - $2,957 | $534 - $989 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,604 - $8,721 | $1,946 - $3,711 | $645 - $1,201 |
Cost to hire movers from Virginia to South Carolina
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia to South Carolina typically costs between $1,310 and $3,573. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,180 and $5,617 when moving from VA to SC. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Virginia to South Carolina, you're looking at costs ranging from $3,604 up to $8,721.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to South Carolina
When you're heading from Virginia to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $835 and $1,907. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,466 and $2,957. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,946 to $3,711. 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 Virginia to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $453 and $834 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $534 to $989. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $645 to $1,201.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Chesapeake to Charleston
What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Charleston
Moving from Chesapeake to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, 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:
Chesapeake | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $375,209 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,882 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,656 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.0% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 7.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Charleston, since prices are typically 39% higher than in Chesapeake.
- The home prices in Charleston are 49.0% higher than in Chesapeake, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Charleston is 1.9% lower than in Chesapeake, 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 181.6% higher than in Chesapeake. 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 115.8% higher than in Chesapeake.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 20.00% lower than in Chesapeake.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Charleston, since its sales taxes are 50.00% higher than what you are paying in Chesapeake.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 21.74% higher than in Chesapeake.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,448.46 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.
How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Charleston
Charleston | Chesapeake | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 249,422 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 2 |
Walkability score | 40 | 21 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 35 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 25.0 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 70.88 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 40% less than Chesapeake.
- Charleston offers better access to buses and trains than Chesapeake, based on public transportation ratings. Charleston has a transit score of 3 out of 10 compared to 2 in Chesapeake. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Charleston means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chesapeake. Charleston is considered more walkable than Chesapeake, with a score of 40 out of 100 versus 21 out of 100 in Chesapeake. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Charleston is considered more bike-friendly than Chesapeake in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, while Chesapeake is rated as 35 out of 100.
- The crime rate in Charleston is higher than in Chesapeake, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 44.97 in Charleston, it is 25.0 in Chesapeake. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Charleston. With a crime index of 55.03, Charleston ranks lower in overall safety than Chesapeake, whose index is 70.88. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Charleston and Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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
Now that you've chosen Holy City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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 is home to museums and cultural arts 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Charleston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chesapeake to Charleston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chesapeake.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chesapeake to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chesapeake to Charleston moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chesapeake to Charleston take?
Covering 440 miles, the move from Chesapeake, VA to Charleston, SC typically takes one to four days. Some Chesapeake movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.