Best Oakland to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Oakland to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,892 mile move from California to South Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 17 Oakland to Charleston moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Oakland 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 Oakland to Charleston Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Upline Moving | 8.60 | 8.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Oakland to Charleston
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,892 miles from Oakland, CA to Charleston, SC will cost on average $4,241 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Charleston move is roughly $10,256. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,842 | 300 ft³ | 9.47 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,241 | 450 ft³ | 9.42 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,030 | 750 ft³ | 9.37 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,256 | 1100 ft³ | 9.32 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $14,838 | 1600 ft³ | 9.27 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,602 | 1800 ft³ | 9.22 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Oakland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Charleston Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
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) |
Fairprice Movers
Berkeley, CA, 94720
About Fairprice Movers
Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized moving...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial and Office Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2192738 / 768242 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 89,000 (2022) |
Upline Moving
30956 San Clemente St
Hayward, CA, 94544
About Upline Moving
For smooth local, statewide, and nationwide residential relocations, Upline Moving is your trusted partner. Based in Hayward, it serves the community...
Services
- Residential movers
- Long distance movers
- Local movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1881933 / 678648 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 150,000 (2012) |
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.
Oakland vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be daunting, but understanding local similarities can make the transition easier. By comparing the unique yet familiar aspects of your favorite spots in Oakland, CA & Charleston, SC , you'll gain insight into what each city offers for your new adventure.
| Oakland | Charleston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rockridge | Mount Pleasant | Trendy shops and eateries |
| Temescal | North Charleston | Bohemian vibe and art scene |
| Lake Merritt | The Battery | Scenic views and waterfront activities |
| Piedmont Avenue | King Street | Independent boutiques and cafes |
| Jack London Square | Waterfront Park | Historic sites and riverfront dining |
| Grand Lake | West Ashley | Family-friendly parks and lakes |
| Fruitvale | Park Circle | Cultural diversity and community events |
| Montclair | Daniel Island | Upscale homes and nature trails |
| Uptown | South of Broad | Classic architecture and nightlife |
| Downtown Oakland | Historic Charleston | Vibrant city center and history |
If you’re drawn to the eclectic charm of Oakland’s Temescal, known for its First Fridays Art Walk and vibrant streets, you'll likely find North Charleston appealing, with its rich art scene and creative energy. For those enchanted by the tranquil beauty around Lake Merritt, the scenic waterfront and lush gardens of The Battery in Charleston offer similar picturesque views. Meanwhile, Jack London Square's mix of history and waterfront dining finds a counterpart in Charleston's Waterfront Park, where historic ambiance meets modern culinary experiences. For families, Grand Lake’s proximity to Lake Merritt Park and Grand Lake Theater mirrors West Ashley's array of green spaces and community-friendly spots like West Ashley Greenway.
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 Oakland to Charleston
Relocating from Oakland, CA to Charleston, SC involves weighing the pros and cons of living in both Oakland and Charleston . This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes you might experience with this move.
Oakland, CA- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Earthquake risk
- High crime rates
- Foggy weather
Charleston, SC- Lower cost of living
- Less congested roads
- Milder natural disasters
- Lower crime rates
- Sunny, warm climate
Charleston, SC- Lesser cultural diversity
- Less food variety
- Fewer tech jobs
- Limited public transport
- No bay landscapes
Oakland, CA- Diverse culture
- Renowned food scene
- Rich tech opportunities
- Public transport options
- Scenic bay views
Moving from Oakland to Charleston brings a noticeable change in lifestyle. In Oakland, you can explore diverse culinary delights ranging from Chinatown restaurants to bustling cafes in the Grand Lake neighborhood. As you transition to Charleston, enjoy a reduction in living expenses and commute time. Though Charleston may not offer the variety of cuisines found in Oakland or the cultural melting pot feeling, it does provide charming Southern hospitality and stunning sights like the Charleston Waterfront Park. However, keep in mind the warmer climate and the reduced bus or train accessibility for daily commutes in your new city.
Oakland vs. Charleston Food Guide
Food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. By exploring the comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Charleston , you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.
| Oakland | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Shrimp and Grits |
| Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | She-crab Soup |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Hot Dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Ramen | Collard Greens |
| 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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Charleston offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights, with signature dishes like shrimp and grits being widely available throughout the city. When you explore neighborhoods like the French Quarter or Upper King Street, you'll find plentiful establishments serving this local favorite. Featuring highly acclaimed restaurants such as Husk and FIG, Charleston's food scene encompasses rich Southern traditions with contemporary twists. Though the abundance of food trucks is less than in Oakland, several noteworthy options in Downtown Charleston provide tasty street food that reflects the city's flavors. Remember to dive into offerings like hot dogs and collard greens as you get acquainted with your new locale.
Oakland vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a significant role in making an area feel like home. This restaurant comparison will guide you to your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown of Oakland, CA as a benchmark for exploring local cuisine in Charleston, SC.
| Oakland | Charleston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commis | FIG | Both offer a high-end, seasonal menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. |
| Brown Sugar Kitchen | Martha Lou's Kitchen | A similar spot for soul food and comfort dishes. |
| Homeroom | The Macintosh | Comforting, hearty dishes with a creative twist. |
| Cholita Linda | Taco Boy | Casual eatery known for flavorful tacos and vibrant atmosphere. |
| Garibaldis | The Ordinary | Fine dining with a focus on seafood and elegant ambiance. |
| Shan Dong Restaurant | Xiao Bao Biscuit | Renowned for their Asian-inspired fare with a Southern flair. |
| Belotti Ristorante e Bottega | Indaco | Offers handmade Italian dishes in a cozy, inviting setting. |
| Burma Superstar | R. Kitchen | Diverse, eclectic menu with an emphasis on fresh, bold flavors. |
| Jong Ga House | Kwei Fei | Esteemed for its authentic and tasty Korean cuisine. |
| Swan's Marketplace | Charleston City Market | A historic, bustling market space with a variety of local eats. |
For those who appreciate the culinary artistry of Commis in Oakland, Charleston's FIG will resonate with its equally inventive and locally-sourced menu. If comfort cuisine is your calling, explore The Macintosh in Charleston, as its imaginative takes on hearty dishes mirror what you loved about Homeroom back in Oakland. Seafood lovers will find a familiar haven in The Ordinary, which masterfully translates the fine dining ambiance and culinary finesse of Oakland's Garibaldis into a Southern backdrop. Each of these Charleston establishments offers an essence of your Oakland favorites, ensuring your move doesn't mean leaving your favorite culinary experiences behind.
Ready to start your move?
Oakland vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison focuses on the housing aspects of Oakland and Charleston , offering insights into their costs, architecture, and lifestyle features through charts.
| Comparison | Oakland | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman and Modern | Colonial and Georgian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transit | Historic charm |
Oakland's housing market is marked by its higher price points, with a substantial lead in median home and rental costs compared to Charleston. While Oakland boasts a walkability score of 9, making it exceptionally accessible by foot, Charleston embodies its charm through Colonial and Georgian architecture. Oakland's urban lifestyle reflects its vibrant, diverse culture with a higher urban lifestyle index, appealing to those who value proximity to amenities like the bustling Oakland City Center. Meanwhile, Charleston offers more affordable housing with a unique emphasis on historic charm, making it attractive to those who cherish history and traditional architecture.
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.
Oakland vs. Charleston Weather Considerations
If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the weather will compare to what you are used to. This comparison between Oakland, CA and Charleston, SC will give you an idea of what climatic differences to expect, helping you plan better for your new environment and adjust your routine accordingly.
Oakland, CA
Charleston, SC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Charleston, SC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Charleston, SC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Oakland, CA
Charleston, SC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Oakland | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When relocating from Oakland to Charleston, you'll notice some substantial differences in weather. Charleston's summers are significantly warmer and more humid, with average highs reaching the upper 80s, compared to Oakland’s milder summer temperatures. While both cities enjoy a fair share of sunny days, Oakland averages more days of sunshine annually. Rainfall is another major difference, as Charleston receives more than double the annual rainfall of Oakland. This can affect outdoor plans and may take a bit of acclimating to if you're not accustomed to frequent rainy days.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Charleston
If you're moving from Oakland, CA to Charleston, SC , understanding the cost of living differences is crucial. This comparison helps you prepare financially and anticipate changes in your economic landscape. Differences in income levels, taxes, and living expenses between the two cities can significantly affect your budget and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Oakland | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,236 | $74,139 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.1 | 98.3 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 7% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.78% | 0.57% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25% | 9% |
| Top 3 Industries | Tech, Healthcare, Education | Tourism, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Wealthy | Moderate |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Visible | Low |
When relocating from Oakland to Charleston, you'll notice substantial differences in cost of living and average household income. While Oakland boasts a higher average household income, it comes with significantly steeper living costs. State income and sales taxes are fairly comparable in both cities, but property tax is slightly more favorable in Charleston. The type of industries prevalent in each city may also impact your job search; while Oakland is heavily tech-driven, Charleston thrives on tourism and manufacturing. Understanding these economic nuances will better prepare you for a smoother transition.
Oakland vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison
When moving from Oakland, CA to Charleston, SC, it's useful to get a comparison of the politics between Oakland & Charleston . This snapshot provides an at-a-glance view of the political and religious makeup of both cities' residents.
| Oakland | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Predominantly Liberal | Moderately Conservative |
| Local Politics | City Council focuses on progressive policies | City Government leans towards balanced development |
| Religion | Diverse with a notable secular and spiritual community | Strong religious presence, mainly Christian denominations |
While Oakland is known for its liberal stance, with a city council that often emphasizes progressive social and economic policies, you'll find Charleston's politics more centered on balance and tradition. This difference often reflects in local governance and community initiatives. Additionally, Oakland's diverse population harbors a wide range of religious and spiritual beliefs, whereas Charleston maintains a strong traditional Christian presence. Understanding these variations can help you anticipate the adjustments you might experience in community engagement and public discourse.
Oakland vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like, this comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Oakland & Charleston provides insight into how the two cities differ in terms of driving and transit.
| Comparison | Oakland | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 33 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | No |
In Oakland, you have the advantage of a robust public transit system, with BART and AC Transit offering extensive coverage. This makes it feasible to move around without a car, reducing your dependence on the congested roads. Charleston, on the other hand, has a lower traffic congestion rating, which may seem appealing, but the limited public transit options mean a car becomes more of a necessity. While commutes tend to be shorter in Charleston, prepare for less flexibility in public transportation, making planning ahead essential for easier travel. In both cities, your lifestyle and work location can greatly influence your commuting experience.
Additional Resources
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