Top local movers for Charleston to San Diego moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to San Diego can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to San Diego.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to San Diego?
Movers in West Virginia generally charge an average of 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 | $1,317 – $5,507 | $1,279 – $3,020 | $1,278 – $2,370 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,451 – $7,521 | $2,273 – $4,662 | $1,440 – $2,881 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,823 – $11,273 | $2,941 – $6,072 | $1,800 – $3,787 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to San Diego
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to San Diego typically costs between $1,317 and $5,507. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,451 and $7,521 when moving from Charleston to San Diego. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to San Diego, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,823 up to $11,273.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to San Diego
If you’re relocating from Charleston to San Diego, you’ll typically spend between $1,279 and $3,020 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,273 up to $4,662. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,941 and $6,072. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to San Diego
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to San Diego 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 $1,278 and $2,370. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,440 to $2,881. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,800 and $3,787.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to San Diego
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to San Diego might be as low as $2,690, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,627.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,278 to $3,289 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about 116% higher for singles and 100% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $7,719 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 229% higher in San Diego than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 553% higher in San Diego than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 23% higher in San Diego than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in San Diego, as the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 116% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to San Diego, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 100% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego exceeds that of Charleston by about 6%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in San Diego exceed those in Charleston by 11%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and San Diego, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in San Diego.
How life is different in Charleston vs. San Diego
| Charleston | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 43 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 2788% greater than Charleston.
- San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- San Diego is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 43 out of 100, San Diego is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 39.83 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 60.17 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to San Diego 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, 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 San Diego 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Diego
Ready to relocate to America’s Finest City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore San Diego. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to San Diego?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to San Diego. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to San Diego 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 Charleston to San Diego take?
Covering 2,315 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to San Diego, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Diego can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to San Diego?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 3 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 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
Charleston moving services
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