Best Charleston to Anchorage Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Charleston to Anchorage and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 4,558 mile move from South Carolina to Alaska go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 11 Charleston to Anchorage 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 (depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charleston compared to Anchorage. 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 Charleston to Anchorage 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 | Armstrong Relocation | 8.15 | 7.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | The Moving Man | 7.79 | 8.91 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Air Van Moving | 6.78 | 6.98 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Anchorage to Charleston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Anchorage 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) |
Armstrong Relocation
7167 Cross County Rd
North Charleston, SC, 29418
About Armstrong Relocation
Established in 1957, Armstrong Relocation has long been a stalwart of the moving industry. Although based in Memphis, Tennessee, the company...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Employee Relocation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3528195 / 1173611 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |
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) |
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.
Charleston vs. Anchorage Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, but comparing neighborhoods can make it easier. We'll help you find your footing by comparing Charleston, SC & Anchorage, AK neighborhoods, so you use what you know as a baseline for your new adventure.
| Charleston | Anchorage | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Downtown | Downtown Anchorage | Cultural and historic vibe |
| Mount Pleasant | Turnagain | Suburban feel, family-friendly |
| West Ashley | South Anchorage | Residential with shopping areas |
| James Island | Rabbit Creek | Scenic with outdoor activities |
| Shem Creek | Kincaid Park Area | Waterfront views, active lifestyle |
| Folly Beach | Earthquake Park | Natural beauty, recreational opportunities |
| North Charleston | Midtown | Urban environment with diverse culture |
| Isle of Palms | Hillside | Quiet, secluded with nature access |
| Summerville | Eagle River | Family-oriented, community-focused |
| Daniel Island | Westpark | Planned community, amenities-rich |
If you cherish the historic charm and cultural vibrancy of Charleston's Historic Downtown, you'll likely enjoy the heart of Anchorage, where Downtown Anchorage offers cultural landmarks like the Anchorage Museum. For those who appreciate suburban calm with family-friendly amenities in Mount Pleasant, Turnagain in Anchorage boasts a similar atmosphere with its serene parks and community focus. Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy scenic James Island will feel right at home near Rabbit Creek, with its proximity to beautiful trails and wildlife. If the waterfront lifestyle of Shem Creek captivates you, don't miss the Kincaid Park Area, where you can indulge in the stunning coastal views and active lifestyle opportunities. Each neighborhood has its unique flair, providing you with various options to recreate the sense of "home" you're accustomed to.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Anchorage
This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the pros and cons when moving from Charleston, SC to Anchorage, AK . By contrasting the various aspects of these vibrant cities, we seek to offer a clear perspective on what to anticipate and what possibly to embrace in your upcoming move.
Charleston, SC- High humidity
- Hurricane risk
- Traffic congestion
- Tourist crowds
- High cost of living
Anchorage, AK- Cooler climate
- Natural beauty
- Outdoor activities
- Less crowded
- Affordable housing
Anchorage, AK- Limited historical sites
- Limited dining options
- No beaches
- Cultural isolation
- Harsh winters
Charleston, SC- Historic charm
- Southern cuisine
- Beach access
- Rich culture
- Warmer winters
Anchorage offers breathtaking views and a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking in the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, but be prepared for colder, harsher winters compared to Charleston's milder climate. On the downside, you might miss Charleston's sandy beaches and historic alleys, although places like Far North Bicentennial Park have their own unique appeal. While Southern cuisine is a highlight of Charleston, Anchorage's dining scene offers a taste of local Alaskan fare. Anchorage's lifestyle is less hectic with fewer crowds, giving you a peaceful retreat from Charleston's bustling streets. However, the charm of colorful neighborhoods like Charleston’s French Quarter might be hard to match in Anchorage.
Charleston vs. Anchorage Food Guide
Food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. We'll compare the food scene between these two vibrant places so you can be better informed about what your taste buds can expect where you are moving to. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston & Anchorage to help you prepare for your new culinary journey.
| Charleston | Anchorage | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Reindeer Sausage |
| Most popular meat dish | She-Crab Soup | Alaskan Salmon |
| Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Halibut Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Sweet Potato Cornbread | Wild Rice Salad |
| 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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
As you transition from Charleston to Anchorage, you'll find an intriguing shift in the culinary focus. While Charleston is famed for its seafood dishes like shrimp and grits, you’ll discover Anchorage’s pride in fresh Alaskan salmon dishes. Exploring downtown Anchorage will lead you to iconic spots like the Glacier BrewHouse, known for its local flavor. For those inclined towards vegan options, Anchorage excels with dishes such as wild rice salad found in vibrant neighborhoods like Midtown. This northern city also boasts a robust awareness of health and fitness within its food offerings, offering healthy takes on local favorites.
Charleston vs. Anchorage Restaurant Comparison
Food is an essential aspect of making any place feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Charleston and Anchorage will guide you in finding your new favorite eateries in Anchorage, using your current go-to places in Charleston as a reliable reference.
| Charleston | Anchorage | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| FIG | Marx Bros Cafe | Both showcase innovative dishes with locally sourced ingredients |
| Husk | Snow City Cafe | Known for its focus on local twists in classic dishes |
| Magnolias | Marx Bros Cafe | Similar focus on high-quality Southern cuisine |
| Hall's Chophouse | Club Paris | Renowned for their premium steaks and classic dining atmosphere |
| Poe's Tavern | 49th State Brewing Company | Relaxed vibe with great burgers |
| Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar | Kincaid Grill | Coastal fare with an upscale setting |
| Xiao Bao Biscuit | Pho Lena | Offers a unique take on Asian flavors |
| Rodney Scott's BBQ | The Red Chair Cafe | A go-to for delightful BBQ dishes |
| Leon’s Oyster Shop | Simon & Seaforts | Known for excellent seafood offerings |
| Jackrabbit Filly | Bear Tooth Theatrepub | Creative fusion of flavors in a laid-back setting |
When you're yearning for innovative dining like Charleston's FIG, Anchorage's Marx Bros Cafe delivers with its commitment to using local ingredients. For fans of Southern cuisine, Magnolias finds its counterpart at Marx Bros Cafe as well, where a similar emphasis on high-quality dishes awaits you. If a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere is more your style, Anchorage’s 49th State Brewing Company offers the same inviting vibe and excellent burgers you love at Charleston's Poe's Tavern. Finally, for seafood enthusiasts, Leon’s Oyster Shop in Charleston finds a worthy match in Simon & Seaforts, ensuring you'll continue to savor the freshest catches.
Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Anchorage Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's critical to understand how properties in Charleston and Anchorage compare. This comparison will help you make informed decisions about your future living arrangements.
| Comparison | Charleston | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | <a href="https://www.charlestonrealestate.com">Porch, Historic Features</a> | <a href="https://www.anchoragerealestate.com">Mountain Views, Large Garages</a> |
In Charleston, the real estate market is characterized by its historic Colonial architecture, where properties often feature porches and historic elements. The city offers an impressive urban lifestyle with a high walkability score, complemented by bustling neighborhoods like King Street. Meanwhile, Anchorage offers more affordable housing options, with median home prices and rent significantly lower than in Charleston. Anchorage's real estate listings frequently highlight breathtaking mountain views and the inclusion of large garages, catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and those with a love for nature. Despite lower walkability, Anchorage compensates with higher bikeability, making places like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail a popular choice for locals to stay active and enjoy the scenic environment.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Anchorage, AK
1. South Addition: Known for its quiet streets and proximity to Delaney Park Strip, giving your pets a sprawling green space for daily walks and exercise.
2. Turnagain: Offers easy access to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail where you and your pet can enjoy breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and encounter wildlife, perfect for active pets.
3. Rogers Park: This neighborhood is a peaceful area with a strong community vibe and several nearby dog parks, making it great for socializing your pets and meeting fellow pet owners.
Charleston vs. Anchorage Weather Considerations
When relocating from Charleston, SC to Anchorage, AK , understanding the weather differences is crucial to help you adjust comfortably. These insights will aid in managing expectations and preparations for such a significant geographical transition.
Charleston, SC
Anchorage, AK
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Anchorage, AK
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Anchorage, AK
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, SC
Anchorage, AK
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Charleston | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from the warmth of Charleston to Anchorage's colder climate will be an adjustment. Summers in Anchorage are much cooler, with highs barely reaching the lows in Charleston, while winters bring significantly more snow. However, Anchorage offers cleaner air and fewer humid days compared to Charleston. While Charleston experiences humid heat and potential hurricanes, Anchorage requires preparation for cold, snowy winters and the possibility of occasional seismic activity.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Anchorage
When you're moving from Charleston, SC to Anchorage, AK , it's crucial to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will help you make informed decisions on budgeting and financial planning in your new city.
| Comparison | Charleston | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,139 | $86,654 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 128.4 |
| State Income Tax | 7.0 | 0.0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.72 | 1.19 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.0 | 0.0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Oil, Transportation, Military |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
When relocating to Anchorage, it's important to note that while the household income is notably higher than in Charleston, the cost of living is also inflated, which can lead to a tighter budget if not managed wisely. Fortunately, Anchorage offers the benefit of no state income or sales tax, providing potential savings. Charleston's economy leans heavily on tourism and healthcare, whereas Anchorage thrives on oil and military sectors, which could offer different employment opportunities. Additionally, the climate economic variance may demand adjustments in how you approach savings and expenditure habits upon arrival.
Charleston vs. Anchorage Political & Religious Comparison
The following provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This includes a comparison of the politics between Charleston & Anchorage , offering insight into the potential cultural shifts you may experience when moving.
| Charleston | Anchorage | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leaning Moderate to Conservative | Leaning Moderate to Liberal |
| Local Politics | Historically Republican | More Dynamic Political Scene |
| Religion | Predominantly Christian | Diverse Beliefs |
Moving from Charleston to Anchorage involves embracing distinct political and cultural environments. Charleston tends to have a more conservative political climate, while Anchorage displays a varied political landscape, often reflecting a balance between progressive and moderate views. You'll find that religious life also differs, with Charleston having a predominantly Christian community. In contrast, Anchorage showcases a broader array of belief systems, creating a more diverse religious backdrop. Preparing for these changes can create a seamless transition as you move.
Charleston vs. Anchorage Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When moving from Charleston, SC to Anchorage, AK, understanding the difference in daily commuting is crucial. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Anchorage offers insight into what you may encounter day-to-day, helping you transition smoothly.
| Comparison | Charleston | Anchorage |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 18 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
In Charleston, expect a slightly longer commute with moderate to heavy traffic, particularly during rush hours, which can elevate the congestion score to a 7 out of 10. While the city offers public transit options like buses and the CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority), it often falls short of covering extensive needs, making a car quite necessary. Conversely, Anchorage provides a more relaxed commute with fewer traffic disruptions and a public transit system that is relatively more efficient and reliable. The city's size and structure mean that you can manage without a car, with Anchorage's People Mover public transit system serving as a viable alternative.
Additional Resources
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