Best New Orleans to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from New Orleans to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 784 mile move from Louisiana to South Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 12 New Orleans 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 Smooth Move Charleston), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 | Bart's Office Inc. | 6.97 | 2.12 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 4 | Two Men and a Truck | 6.87 | 6.35 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Northshore Moving Company | 5.26 | 7.29 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from New Orleans to Charleston
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 784 miles from New Orleans, LA to Charleston, SC will cost on average $2,448 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom New Orleans to Charleston move is roughly $5,874. 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 | $1,647 | 300 ft³ | 5.49 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,448 | 450 ft³ | 5.44 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,042 | 750 ft³ | 5.39 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,874 | 1100 ft³ | 5.34 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,464 | 1600 ft³ | 5.29 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,432 | 1800 ft³ | 5.24 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to New Orleans guide.
Compare the 5 Best New Orleans 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) |
Bart's Office Inc.
2838 Elysian Fields Ave
New Orleans, LA, 70122
About Bart's Office Inc.
Bart's Office, founded in 1978, stands out in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area as a moving company that specializes in commercial...
Services
- Full service commercial relocation
- Installation/reconfiguration of cubical office space
- Restaurant & Apartment appliance installation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2118069 / 739860 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2023) |
Two Men and a Truck
5029 Bloomfield St
New Orleans, LA, 70121
About Two Men and a Truck
In just over 35 years of operation, Two Men and A Truck has come from humble beginnings to becoming one of...
Services
- Local Moving
- Junk Removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2147737 / 746991 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 13 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 2,300,000 (2022) |
Northshore Moving Company
1615 Poydras St Suite 900
New Orleans, LA, 70112
About Northshore Moving Company
With roots in Hammond, Louisiana, Northshore Moving Company has made its mark over the past 12 years by providing top-notch moving...
Services
- Local Moving
- White Glove Delivery
- Senior Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2034397 / 714199 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 140,000 (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.
New Orleans vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison
Discovering a new city can be daunting. Our comparison of local neighborhoods between New Orleans, LA & Charleston, SC aims to use your familiarity with New Orleans as a lens to explore Charleston’s charm.
| New Orleans | Charleston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Historic Downtown | Vibrant nightlife and historic architecture |
| Garden District | South of Broad | Grand, historic homes with lush landscapes |
| Marigny | North Morrison | Eclectic arts scene and vibrant culture |
| Uptown | Harleston Village | Academic vibe, green spaces, and cafes |
| Bywater | Eastside | Trendy, bohemian atmosphere with local art |
| Warehouse District | Cannonborough/Elliotborough | Converted industrial spaces with modern flair |
| Mid-City | West Ashley | Central location with local dining options |
| Algiers Point | James Island | Water views and a strong sense of community |
| Treme | Wagener Terrace | Rich cultural history and neighborhood pride |
| Lakeview | Daniel Island | Family-friendly with plenty of recreational areas |
If you find solace in the tranquil charm of the Garden District in New Orleans, with its grand mansions and oak-shaded streets, you'll appreciate Charleston's South of Broad. Here, the historic homes offer a similar grandeur, complemented by waterfront views. Lovers of art and culture will feel right at home moving from Marigny to North Morrison, where an eclectic arts scene simmers with creativity and vibrant murals decorate the streets. Meanwhile, Uptown's university-centric atmosphere with its cafes and lively community gatherings transitions smoothly into Harleston Village, where the proximity to educational institutions and green spaces ensures an energetic vibe. For those who thrive amidst the artsy flair of Bywater, Eastside in Charleston beckons with its bohemian feel and local art installations.
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 New Orleans to Charleston
In this guide, we present a balanced view of the relocation journey from New Orleans to Charleston. This comparison sheds light on what to expect as you weigh the pros and cons of moving from New Orleans to Charleston , aiming for an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.
New Orleans, LA- Hurricane risks
- High crime rates
- Humidity and heat
- Car-dependent
Charleston, SC- Lower hurricane impact
- Safer neighborhoods
- Milder climate
- Walkable areas
Charleston, SC- Less cultural diversity
- Less Cajun/Creole food
- Fewer major events
New Orleans, LA- Rich cultural scene
- Distinctive cuisine
- Festivals year-round
Moving from New Orleans to Charleston offers the chance to enjoy a milder climate and safer neighborhoods, yet it means parting with the distinctive Creole flavors synonymous with New Orleans. While you might miss the vibrant pulse of festivals like Mardi Gras, Charleston's charm is undeniable, with strolls through historic streets and parks like Hampton Park offering a quieter allure. Finally, while New Orleans boasts an extensive cultural tapestry, places like King Street in Charleston promise dynamic shopping and dining experiences that can pleasantly surprise you.
New Orleans vs. Charleston Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and greatly influences your experience in a new area. To help you prepare for your move, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between New Orleans & Charleston . Discover what each city offers in terms of culinary delights, from iconic dishes to the abundance of food trucks, which are part of your new lifestyle.
| New Orleans | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Gumbo | Shrimp and Grits |
| Most popular meat dish | Jambalaya | Fried Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Beignet | Fried Oysters |
| Most popular vegan food | Red Beans and Rice | Hoppin' John |
| 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's cuisine offers a delightful mix of seafood and southern comfort, boasting iconic dishes such as Shrimp and Grits, often found in trendy eateries like Husk located in the historic districts. Unlike New Orleans' heavier Creole flavors, Charleston's culinary scene leans towards lighter, healthier choices, making it slightly more suitable if health consciousness is on your radar. The food scene in Charleston is thriving, with a robust offering of both vegan and seafood options. Despite the slightly fewer food trucks compared to New Orleans, you'll find plenty concentrated around popular neighborhoods like Upper King Street.
New Orleans vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison
Food is integral to making an area feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help someone discover their favorite eateries by using their current hometown, New Orleans, Louisiana, and their new city, Charleston, South Carolina, as a guide .
| New Orleans | Charleston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commander's Palace | Husk | Both offer refined southern dining with a significant historical touch. |
| Café du Monde | Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café | Both beloved for their iconic breakfast items and sweet treats. |
| GW Fins | Fleet Landing | Both provide impeccable seafood experiences with waterfront views. |
| Coop's Place | Poogan's Porch | Both serve a hearty, casual take on local Southern specialties. |
| Herbsaint | Fig | Both maintain high culinary standards with locally-sourced ingredients and a touch of elegance. |
| Willie Mae's Scotch House | Leon’s Oyster Shop | Known for their fried offerings and rich culinary heritage. |
| Pêche Seafood Grill | The Ordinary | Both excel in fresh, beautifully-prepared seafood in a casual setting. |
| Mother's Restaurant | Hominy Grill | Both offer comforting, down-to-earth Southern home cooking. |
| Jacques-Imo's Café | SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) | Both known for their eclectic menus full of regional favorites. |
| Acme Oyster House | The Darling Oyster Bar | Both are famous for their bustling atmosphere and fresh Gulf oysters. |
When you crave that elegant Southern dining experience reminiscent of the legendary Commander's Palace in New Orleans, head to Husk in Charleston, where history and flavor unite in a truly unforgettable meal. For those lazy afternoons spent indulging in mouth-watering sandwiches or relishing sweet treats, there's a delightful parallel between the iconic beignets and chicory coffee of Café du Monde and the beloved offerings at Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Café. To satisfy seafood cravings with a view, rival GW Fins' expertise in New Orleans with Fleet Landing, where fresh catches are served with a waterfront backdrop to match. Whether you seek a full gourmet dining experience or a laid-back meal steeped in local culture, these Charleston establishments offer you a taste of your New Orleans favorites.
Ready to start your move?
New Orleans vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how the housing in New Orleans contrasts with Charleston to make informed decisions. Evaluating factors like cost and walkability will help you identify which city aligns with your lifestyle preferences.
| Comparison | New Orleans | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Cajun/Creole Cottages | Georgian/Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | French Windows, Iron Balconies | Porches, Historic Districts |
When comparing the housing market, you'll notice that New Orleans offers a more affordable median home price than Charleston , but both cities have their unique architectural charm that greatly influences their appeal. New Orleans' typical Cajun and Creole cottages with features like French windows and iron balconies offer a distinct atmosphere, easily experienced in areas such as the French Quarter. Charleston's allure often lies in its colonial and Georgian-style homes found in its historic districts, which boast beautiful wide porches and classic southern elegance. The walkability and bikeability scores indicate that both cities support an active urban lifestyle, with scenic routes and community-centric setups.
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.
New Orleans vs. Charleston Weather Considerations
Understanding the weather differences between New Orleans and Charleston can make your move smoother, especially since both cities have distinct climates. Comparing temperature, humidity, and other climatic factors helps you prepare for what life will feel like in your new home.
New Orleans, LA
Charleston, SC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
New Orleans, LA
Charleston, SC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
New Orleans, LA
Charleston, SC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
New Orleans, LA
Charleston, SC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | New Orleans | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both New Orleans and Charleston experience hot and humid summers, the subtle temperature difference could be noticeable; New Orleans is slightly warmer. If you're sensitive to allergens, Charleston's air may bring different challenges with ragweed prevalent in addition to pollen. Both cities share a moderate air quality, but New Orleans receives considerably more rainfall annually, which could influence your outdoor plans and daily life.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New Orleans to Charleston
If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This chart provides an overview of how New Orleans and Charleston differ in terms of various money and finance aspects.
| Comparison | New Orleans | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $46,942 | $74,139 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 98.3 |
| State Income Tax | 6% | 7% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.8% | 0.5% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.5% | 9% |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Energy, Education | Tourism, Healthcare, Tech |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Notable | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lower |
When considering a move from New Orleans to Charleston, you might notice that the average household income is higher in Charleston, which could offer a potential increase in earning power. However, this may be offset by the higher cost of living index in Charleston. While both cities have strong tourism industries, Charleston's growing tech sector provides unique job opportunities. Additionally, Charleston's property tax rate is lower compared to New Orleans, which could benefit homebuyers in the long run. These factors should be weighed carefully in your decision-making process.
New Orleans vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both New Orleans and Charleston. Understanding the politics between New Orleans & Charleston can help you anticipate the cultural shifts you may experience when relocating.
| New Orleans | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Largely Democratic | Mixed, leaning Republican |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, known for activism | Conservative policies with innovative growth strategies |
| Religion | Catholic tradition, with a mix of others | Protestant majority, diverse Christian denominations |
When moving from New Orleans to Charleston, you'll notice differences in the political landscape. New Orleans leans heavily Democratic with a vibrant culture of activism often visible in city policies and community engagement. Meanwhile, Charleston presents a more conservative environment with a political scene that balances growth and tradition. Religiously, New Orleans has a rich Catholic heritage influenced by its French Creole roots, while Charleston's religious scene is predominantly Protestant, with a diversity of Christian denominations. You'll find that these cultural aspects shape each city's distinct personality, influencing everything from local events to public discussions.
New Orleans vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When considering a move from New Orleans, LA to Charleston, SC, it’s crucial to understand the key differences in daily commuting and transportation. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between New Orleans & Charleston , helping you better navigate your new daily routine.
| Comparison | New Orleans | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 27 | 22 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, especially in the <a href="https://www.frenchmarket.org/">French Quarter</a> and <a href="https://www.magazinestreet.com/">Magazine Street</a> areas | No, mostly necessary for daily commute |
In New Orleans, the average commute time is slightly longer than in Charleston, but the availability of public transit systems like buses and the streetcar minimizes its impact, particularly in more urban areas like the French Quarter. Traffic congestion is moderate, rated 6 out of 10, so plan accordingly during peak hours. On the other hand, Charleston offers a slightly faster commute and less congestion, but public transit is more limited, pushing you to rely more on personal vehicles. Therefore, while you can manage without a car in New Orleans—especially in the vibrant areas like Magazine Street—in Charleston, a car becomes almost essential for ease of movement beyond the city core.
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