Best Anchorage to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Anchorage to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 4,638 mile move from Alaska to South Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 11 Anchorage to Charleston moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Smooth Move Charleston), how much the move costs (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Anchorage compared to Charleston. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Anchorage to Charleston Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | The Moving Man | 7.80 | 8.91 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Air Van Moving | 6.80 | 6.98 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 5 | Royal Alaskan Movers | 6.45 | 6.71 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Anchorage guide.
Compare the 5 Best Anchorage to Charleston Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Smooth Move Charleston
4767 Rivers Ave
North Charleston, SC, 29405
About Smooth Move Charleston
With locations in Rock Hill and Charleston, South Carolina, Smooth Move is a locally owned and operated moving company that is...
Services
- Full Service Packing and Unpacking
- Short or Long Distance Moves
- Residential or Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2357653 / 834668 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 10 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |
Ready Set Movers
454 Deanna Ln
Charleston, SC, 29492
About Ready Set Movers
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Ready Set Movers provides relocation services for both local and long-distance moves. Since...
Services
- Local and interstate moves
- Full-service moving
- Accurate and detailed estimates
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2150739 / 756179 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
The Moving Man
550 W 54th Ave
Anchorage, AK, 99518
About The Moving Man
The Moving Man is a family-owned and operated full-service moving company based in Anchorage, Alaska since 1992. Their service area includes...
Services
- Local Residential Moving
- Local Commercial Moving
- Out-of-State Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 807379 / 359080 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 55,000 (2018) |
Air Van Moving
209 Post Rd
Anchorage, AK, 99501
About Air Van Moving
Air Van Moving is a professional moving company that is based in Alaska and the Northwest. Whether it is across town,...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial and Office Moving
- Long-Distance Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 125012 / 118474 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
Royal Alaskan Movers
2216 N Post Rd
Anchorage, AK, 99501
About Royal Alaskan Movers
Royal Alaskan Movers is a professional moving company that has been serving clients in Anchorage, Alaska, and its surrounding areas since...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2077580 / FF-10566
725677 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 13 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 92,150 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Anchorage vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison
If you're moving from Anchorage to Charleston, understanding the unique characteristics of each city's neighborhoods can help ease your transition. By using this comparison of the local neighborhoods between Anchorage, AK & Charleston, SC , you'll find a familiar vibe in your new city based on what you know from Anchorage.
| Anchorage | Charleston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| South Addition | Historic Downtown | Quaint homes, vibrant history |
| Turnagain | West Ashley | Riverside location, green spaces |
| Hillside | Summerville | Suburban feel, spacious properties |
| Mountain View | Park Circle | Diverse community, cultural amenities |
| Rogers Park | James Island | Family-friendly, great schools |
| Government Hill | Cannonborough/Elliotborough | Mix of old and new |
| Scenic Foothills | Mount Pleasant | Scenic views, outdoor activities |
| Sand Lake | Sullivan's Island | Water access, outdoor adventures |
| Eagle River | Daniel Island | Family-centric, community vibe |
| Midtown | Ansonborough | Urban living, rich history |
As you explore Charleston, you'll find that Historic Downtown offers a similar charm to Anchorage's South Addition, with its quaint historic homes and vibrant history, inviting you to wander through its picturesque streets. If you enjoy the riverside tranquility and green spaces of Turnagain, you'll feel comfortable in West Ashley, where the local parks like Park Circle offer the same serene environment. For families looking for a suburban feel with quality schools, James Island can be as appealing as Rogers Park, with its community amenities and family-friendly atmosphere.
Things to Do in Charleston
Stroll the Historic Battery- Kayak on Kiawah Island
- Explore the Hunting Island State Park
- Visit the Patriots Point Museum
- Catch a show at Gaillard Center
- Shop at City Market
- Discover art at Gibbes Museum
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Anchorage to Charleston
The purpose of this comparison is to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Anchorage to Charleston . It will help you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks before making this significant life decision.
Anchorage, AK- Long, harsh winters
- Isolation
- High cost of living
- Limited job opportunities
Charleston, SC- Mild, warm climate
- Vibrant culture
- Affordable housing
- Diverse job market
Charleston, SC- Fewer natural vistas
- Less wildlife
- Heavy tourism
- Sales tax applies
Anchorage, AK- Breathtaking landscapes
- Rich wildlife
- Low traffic
- No sales tax
While moving from Anchorage to Charleston, you'll notice a change in climate and lifestyle. Charleston has a milder, warmer climate that lends itself to outdoor activities and year-round events. You may enjoy visiting the famous Charleston City Marina or dining at popular spots like Hank's Seafood Restaurant. On the downside, Charleston can get crowded with tourists, especially around attractions like Patriots Point. Anchorage's scenic landscapes and quieter streets will be a contrast to Charleston's bustling energy but living in Charleston also offers access to a wider range of cultural and employment opportunities.
Anchorage vs. Charleston Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Anchorage & Charleston. Relocating from Anchorage, AK, to Charleston, SC, means immersing yourself in a new culinary culture. Understanding the key differences in local food scenes can enhance your appreciation of the unique flair each city brings to the table.
| Anchorage | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Reindeer Sausage | Shrimp and Grits |
| Most popular meat dish | Halibut | Barbecue Pork |
| Most popular street food item | Kaladi Brothers Coffee | Fried Green Tomatoes |
| Most popular vegan food | Tofu Stir Fry | Okra Stew |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
| |
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Charleston, you'll find a vibrant food scene, particularly rich in Southern staples like shrimp and grits, available at local favorites such as Magnolias in the downtown area. The city's culinary landscape is dotted with food trucks, especially at events like the Charleston Food Truck Festival held in Park Circle, making it an exciting city for street food enthusiasts. For vegans, options like the farm-to-table offerings at Gadget's Friendly in the North Central neighborhood showcase how Charleston caters to diverse dietary preferences. Whether you're sampling dishes along King Street or exploring local hotspots, Charleston promises a culinary adventure.
Anchorage vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new location feel like home. This restaurant comparison will guide you in finding your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown, Anchorage and Charleston , as a culinary compass.
| Anchorage | Charleston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Simon & Seaforts | Fleet Landing | Waterfront dining with fresh seafood specialties |
| Snow City Cafe | Toast | Brunch hotspot with a creative twist on classics |
| Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria | Mellow Mushroom | Unique and varied pizza selections |
| Glacier Brewhouse | Edmund’s Oast | Craft brewery with elevated pub fare |
| 49th State Brewing Co. | Revelry Brewing Co. | Lively brewery scene with food and suds |
| ORSO | Husk | Farm-to-table restaurant with Southern flair |
| Spenard Roadhouse | Hominy Grill | Renowned comfort food with local ingredients |
| Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop | Saffron Bakery & Café | Artisan bread and pastries crafted daily |
| Club Paris | Halls Chophouse | Iconic steakhouse with vintage appeal |
| Fat Ptarmigan | D'Allesandro's Pizza | Casual joint known for quality pies |
As you transition from Anchorage to Charleston, these comparable dining spots will delight your taste buds and bring a familiar sense of satisfaction. At Fleet Landing, savor fresh seafood with a pristine view, much like the experience at Simon & Seafort's in Anchorage. If brunch is your favorite meal of the day, Toast offers creative spins on the classics akin to those found at Snow City Cafe. Beer enthusiasts will find camaraderie and craft at Revelry Brewing Co., evoking the lively atmosphere of Anchorage's 49th State Brewing Co. For those dedicated to authentic artisan baking, Saffron Bakery & Café crafts daily delights reminiscent of Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop, ensuring every loaf is a savory staple in your new kitchen.
Ready to start your move?
Anchorage vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor when considering a move. Our comparison sheds light on how housing characteristics differ between Anchorage and Charleston . Understanding the variations will assist you in making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Anchorage | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views | Historic charm |
Diving deeper, you'll find that Charleston is significantly more expensive when it comes to housing, with higher median home prices and rental costs. The Colonial architecture found throughout Charleston adds a unique historic charm and appeal, often highlighted in listings. On the other hand, Anchorage offers scenic mountain views which are a common attraction for the local real estate market. While Charleston benefits from higher walkability and urban lifestyle ratings, you may appreciate the more relaxed and nature-focused lifestyle Anchorage provides, offering a different kind of everyday experience.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC
1. North Charleston : With its large number of parks and proximity to the North Charleston Riverfront Park, you'll find plenty of space for daily walks and outdoor adventures with your furry friend.
2. James Island : This neighborhood offers easy access to the James Island County Park, which features a dedicated dog park and trails for exploring nature with your pet.
3. West Ashley : Known for its pet-friendly community vibe, you can enjoy numerous walking trails and amenities at the West Ashley Greenway and nearby parks where pets are warmly welcomed.
Anchorage vs. Charleston Weather Considerations
Understanding how the weather differs between Anchorage, AK and Charleston, SC is crucial when planning a move. Moving to a new city means adapting to a new climate , which can affect your daily lifestyle and activities. This comparison will highlight the climatic differences you are likely to experience.
Anchorage, AK
Charleston, SC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Anchorage, AK
Charleston, SC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Anchorage, AK
Charleston, SC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Anchorage, AK
Charleston, SC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Anchorage | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Anchorage to Charleston means adjusting to warmer temperatures year-round, with Charleston experiencing significantly hotter summers. You’ll notice a marked increase in humidity in Charleston, which may affect comfort levels differently. It’s also important to prepare for more sun exposure, as Charleston’s UV index is much higher. Furthermore, natural disasters differ substantially; unlike Anchorage's earthquake risk, Charleston is more prone to hurricanes. Remember, the air quality in Charleston can be moderate at times, a shift from Anchorage’s generally good air quality. This could influence how you plan your activities, especially if sensitive to allergens.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Anchorage to Charleston
When relocating from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison provides insights into how the cost of living in Anchorage compares to Charleston , helping you make informed decisions about your move.
| Comparison | Anchorage | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $86,654 | $74,139 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128.4 | 98.3 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 7% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.2% | 0.5% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 9% |
| Top 3 Industries | Oil & Gas, Tourism, Fishing | Tourism, Health Care, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Upper-Middle | Middle |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
When moving from Anchorage to Charleston, you may notice changes in both income levels and taxes. Although Anchorage boasts a higher average household income, Charleston presents a less expensive cost of living overall. Notably, Charleston has a 7% state income tax, while Anchorage imposes none. However, Anchorage's property taxes are higher, which may impact your decision if property ownership is a consideration. Additionally, the economic landscape differs: Charleston's economy thrives on tourism, health care, and manufacturing, whereas Anchorage's is powered predominantly by oil and gas, tourism, and fishing.
Anchorage vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison
This section provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents when comparing the politics between Anchorage & Charleston . This insight can help you get a sense of the cultural environment you'll be transitioning to.
| Anchorage | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderate to Slightly Conservative | Conservative |
| Local Politics | Municipal Government focused on infrastructure and public safety | Emphasis on local business and tourism |
| Religion | Diverse religious practices | Christian majority, strong Anglican presence |
While Anchorage and Charleston may share some similarities, their differences are noteworthy. Anchorage's political landscape is generally moderate with some conservative leanings, whereas Charleston is firmly conservative, focusing its local politics on bolstering local businesses and the tourism industry. When it comes to religion, Anchorage offers a diverse range of religious practices, in contrast to Charleston where Christianity, particularly Anglicanism, dominates. This distinct religious atmosphere might influence your day-to-day experiences, providing a different cultural perspective than what you're accustomed to.
Anchorage vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When planning a move from Anchorage, AK to Charleston, SC, it's essential to compare the traffic and transportation options between Anchorage & Charleston to better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in each city.
| Comparison | Anchorage | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 18 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Plausible |
When transitioning from Anchorage to Charleston, consider that the traffic congestion in Charleston tends to be heavier, which may make your daily drive longer and more stressful. Although neither city has a robust public transit system, Charleston's options are slightly better, offering you a bit more freedom if you prefer to forgo a car. In Anchorage, most residents rely heavily on personal vehicles due to the limited public transport options, so you might find yourself more dependent on driving while in Alaska. Exploring Charleston's historic downtown or nearby beaches could be easier without a car, thanks to its serviceable public transit and walkable areas. When considering local schools or businesses like Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority or Bicentennial School, understanding the nuances of commuting in these cities can help streamline your transition.
Additional Resources
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