Quick answer: Expect to pay $508–$6,031 for a move from Norfolk to Charleston, with most moves taking one to four days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 437 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Norfolk guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Norfolk to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Norfolk to Charleston can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to SC move
The top local movers servicing Norfolk to Charleston moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Charleston.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.62 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 #: 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
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
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 Norfolk to Charleston?
Norfolk movers charge $89 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 | $1,235 - $3,828 | $786 - $1,946 | $453 - $912 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,180 - $6,031 | $1,510 - $2,732 | $508 - $1,051 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,870 - $8,122 | $1,887 - $3,711 | $651 - $1,287 |
Cost to hire movers from Virginia to South Carolina
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia to South Carolina, you can expect to spend between $1,235 and $3,828. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,180 to $6,031 on the same route (VA to SC). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Virginia to South Carolina typically runs between $3,870 and $8,122.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to South Carolina
If you're relocating from Virginia to South Carolina, you'll typically spend between $786 and $1,946 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,510 up to $2,732. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,887 and $3,711. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia 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 $453 and $912. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $508 to $1,051. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $651 and $1,287.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Norfolk to Charleston
What to know before moving from Norfolk to Charleston
Moving from Norfolk to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than Norfolk, 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:
Norfolk | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,500 | $2,500 |
Average home value | $283,890 | $559,231 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,484 | $62,294 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,769 | $5,300 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,552 | $7,890 |
Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 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 67% higher than in Norfolk.
- The home prices in Charleston are 97.0% higher than in Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, 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 91.4% higher than in Norfolk. 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 42.1% higher than in Norfolk.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 45.21% lower than in Norfolk.
- 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 Norfolk.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 21.74% higher than in Norfolk.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,742.15 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Norfolk.
How life is different in Norfolk vs. Charleston
Charleston | Norfolk | |
---|---|---|
Population | 150,277 | 238,005 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
Walkability score | 40 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 50 | 47 |
Crime Index | 44.97 | 58.1 |
Safety Index | 55.03 | 41.9 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 37% less than Norfolk.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in Norfolk. Charleston has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Norfolk is ranked 6. 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 Norfolk. Based on its score of 40 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as Norfolk, which has a score of 46 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 Norfolk are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 50 and 47 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 Norfolk based on scores of 44.97 and Norfolk's 58.1, 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 Norfolk, based on Charleston's safety index of 55.03 versus 41.9 for Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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: 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 Norfolk to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Norfolk to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Norfolk. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Norfolk to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Norfolk 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 Norfolk to Charleston take?
Moving from Norfolk, VA to Charleston, SC covers 437 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Norfolk movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.