Best Charleston to Long Beach Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Charleston to Long Beach and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,623 mile move from South Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 18 Charleston to Long Beach 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 RL Relocation), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charleston compared to Long Beach. 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 Long Beach Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Charleston to Long Beach Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1RL Relocation9.449.37Authorized For HHGContact
2Smooth Move Charleston9.219.46Authorized For HHGContact
3Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For PropertyContact
4Ready Set Movers9.169.22Authorized For HHGContact
5Armstrong Relocation8.157.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Charleston to Long Beach

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,623 miles from Charleston, SC to Long Beach, CA will cost on average $4,012 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Long Beach move is roughly $9,697. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,690300 ft³8.97
1 Bedroom$4,012450 ft³8.92
2 Bedrooms$6,649750 ft³8.87
3 Bedrooms$9,6971100 ft³8.82
4 Bedrooms$14,0241600 ft³8.77
5+ Bedrooms$15,6871800 ft³8.72
*Please note: These South Carolina to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Carolina & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed SC to CA mover.
South Carolina iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Long Beach to Charleston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Long Beach Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

RL Relocation Logo

RL Relocation

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 867+ data points

Cornell Dr

Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

About RL Relocation

RL Relocation is a full-service moving company that has been in business for several years. Based in California, they offer local...

Services

  • Whole Home Moves
  • Local and Long Distance
  • Packing and Organizing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2984580 / 15998

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved159,984 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Smooth Move Charleston Logo

Smooth Move Charleston

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2357653 / 834668

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Ready Set Movers Logo

Ready Set Movers

Exceptional9.16/10
based on 902+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2150739 / 756179

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Armstrong Relocation Logo

Armstrong Relocation

Very Good8.15/10
based on 507+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3528195 / 1173611

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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. Long Beach Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find the right neighborhood. By comparing local neighborhoods between Charleston, SC & Long Beach, CA , this guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your existing city as a baseline.

CharlestonLong BeachHow They're Similar
French QuarterBixby KnollsArtsy, historic ambiance
Cannonborough-ElliottboroughEast VillageVibrant, youthful atmosphere
South of BroadNaples IslandElegant waterfront living
Wagener TerraceBelmont ShoreFamily-friendly local spots
Harleston VillageDowntown Long BeachUrban, walkable culture
North CharlestonNorth Long BeachResidential, diverse communities
Daniel IslandEl Dorado ParkSuburban, park-centered activities
WestsideZaferiaEclectic mix of shops and cafes
James IslandLakewood VillageQuiet suburban feel
Mount PleasantSignal HillGrowing suburban landscapes

As you look for a new neighborhood in Long Beach, Bixby Knolls may remind you of French Quarter with its charming blend of arts and history. The area is home to art events and unique coffee shops, similar to the artsy vibe of the Charleston neighborhood. In Belmont Shore, you'll find a family-oriented community much like Wagener Terrace, complete with local spots like Belmont Brewing Company and the scenic Marina Vista Park. Meanwhile, East Village's vibrant streets and youthful energy mirror the lively feel of Cannonborough-Elliottborough, bustling with creativity and nightlife. For a perfect balance of urban walkability and cultural experiences, consider Downtown Long Beach, which offers parks like the Shoreline Aquatic Park and similar conveniences to Harleston Village.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Long Beach

This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Charleston, SC to Long Beach, CA . By weighing the pros against the cons, you can make an informed decision about whether this move aligns with your lifestyle and desires.

CONs
PROs
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Summer humidity
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Narrow beaches
Long Beach, CA iconLong Beach, CA
  • Mild, dry weather
  • Efficient transit options
  • Thriving job market
  • Wide sandy beaches
Long Beach, CA iconLong Beach, CA
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Pricier food options
  • Higher noise levels
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Historic charm
  • Lower traffic
  • Southern cuisine
  • Quiet neighborhoods

While Charleston's summer humidity can be stifling, Long Beach offers mild, dry weather, making outdoor activities more enjoyable year-round. In Long Beach, you may find the [Pacific Electric Bike Trail](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24681) more accessible thanks to efficient transit options. If you're a fan of wide sandy beaches, Long Beach’s [Belmont Shore](https://www.visitlongbeach.com/about/neighborhoods/belmont-shore/) will likely be more appealing than Charleston’s narrower stretches. However, you might miss Charleston's historic charm and Southern cuisine, with restaurants like [Husk](https://www.huskrestaurant.com/) offering unique dining experiences. The move might also pose challenges with Long Beach's higher living costs and increased noise levels, especially in bustling areas such as [Downtown Long Beach](https://www.dtlb.org/).

Charleston vs. Long Beach Food Guide

Food is an integral part of local culture and can shape your living experience. This section will explore the comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston & Long Beach , helping you familiarize with the diverse food scene where you are moving to.

CharlestonLong Beach
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishFrogmore StewKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsRamen Burrito
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensVegan Sushi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Crême de la Crêpe
  • Attic
  • Georgie’s Place
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to Long Beach introduces you to its diverse culinary landscape, brimming with international influences. You can enjoy renowned fish tacos at vibrant eateries in Belmont Shore or explore the vegan sushi options in the East Village Arts District. Notably, Long Beach is home to a lively food truck culture, readily available across downtown, making it a paradise for food truck enthusiasts. The city's dedication to fitness and health is reflected in its dining choices, with numerous restaurants emphasizing organic, fresh ingredients. As you adjust to your new home, you'll find that Long Beach's culinary scene caters extensively to various dietary preferences, ensuring delicious options for everyone.

Charleston vs. Long Beach Restaurant Comparison

Food is important for making an area home. This restaurant comparison of Charleston, SC to Long Beach, CA will help you find your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown, Charleston as a guide to discover the vibrant dining scene in Long Beach.

CharlestonLong BeachWhat You'll Love
HuskThe AtticModern Southern cuisine with creative twists
FIGRestaurationCozy, farm-to-table dining experiences
Hominy GrillSouthern SpiceHomestyle Southern comfort food
Xiao Bao BiscuitPanxa CocinaFusion of Asian flavors with a modern vibe
Poe's TavernShannon's On PineIconic burger and pub atmosphere
Leon’s Oyster ShopThe Crab PotFresh seafood delights to satisfy your cravings
Butcher & BeeWide Eyes Open PalmsCasual dining with fresh, local ingredients
Rodney Scott's BBQNaples Rib CompanyClassic BBQ flavors featuring slow-cooked meats
Fleet LandingParker's LighthouseOceanfront dining with seafood specialties
Callie's Hot Little BiscuitSweet Dixie KitchenComfort breakfast favorites and pastries

When you're longing for the modern Southern flair of Charleston's Husk, Long Beach's The Attic serves up imaginative Southern dishes that pay homage to the region. If FIG's farm-to-table ethos resonates with you, the similar atmosphere at Long Beach's Restauration will likely hit the spot, emphasizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. For those cozy mornings that began at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, the comforting vibes at Sweet Dixie Kitchen offer homey breakfast treats that bring Charleston warmth across the miles.

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Ready to start your move?

Charleston vs. Long Beach Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape in Charleston and Long Beach can help you make an informed decision. It's crucial to assess aspects such as cost of housing , walkability , and architecture to evaluate how each city aligns with your lifestyle preferences.

ComparisonCharlestonLong Beach
Typical Architecture StyleColonial & Gothic RevivalArt Deco & Spanish Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPorches, Historic DistrictsBeach Views, Modern Amenities

While the median home price in Long Beach is significantly higher than in Charleston, this is reflective of its coastal location and the thriving urban vibe. In areas like downtown Long Beach, walkability and bikeability scores are notably higher, appealing to those who enjoy an active city lifestyle. Meanwhile, Charleston's unique Colonial and Gothic Revival architecture offers a charm that may not be as easily found elsewhere. If you are drawn to historic districts and classic porches, Charleston may be a more fitting choice. Explore locations such as Downtown Charleston to truly immerse yourself in its architectural beauty.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA

1. Bixby Knolls: Known for its walkable, tree-lined streets, Bixby Knolls offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and a welcoming atmosphere for your furry friends.

2. Belmont Shore: With its close proximity to Rosie's Dog Beach, Belmont Shore is a paradise for dogs who love to splash in the ocean and make new friends.

3. Bluff Park: Boasting spacious parks and scenic views, Bluff Park is perfect for leisurely walks with your pet, plus it's just a stone's throw away from dog-friendly establishments.

Charleston vs. Long Beach Weather Considerations

Understanding the weather differences between Charleston, SC and Long Beach, CA , is essential if you're considering a move. The chart below highlights various climate factors, helping you prepare for your new environment and what to expect throughout the seasons.

Summer icon
89/74

Charleston, SC

84/65

Long Beach, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60/38

Charleston, SC

67/46

Long Beach, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48

Charleston, SC

12

Long Beach, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0.4

Charleston, SC

0

Long Beach, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCharlestonLong Beach
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanesEarthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Charleston to Long Beach, you'll notice significant differences in humidity and precipitation. Charleston's higher humidity often makes it feel warmer, even during the cooler months, whereas Long Beach offers a more temperate and arid climate. If you enjoy sunny days, you'll appreciate Long Beach's greater number of sunny days per year, although the risk of earthquakes replaces Charleston's hurricane threats. Your skin may benefit from Long Beach's lower UV index, reducing sun exposure risks over time.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Long Beach

If you're considering relocating from Charleston, SC to Long Beach, CA , understanding the financial differences is crucial. Use this comparison to gauge how your cost of living might change and what economic factors to be aware of.

ComparisonCharlestonLong Beach
Avg. Household Income$74,139$73,905
Cost of Living Index98.3136.4
State Income Tax7%9.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.5%0.8%
Avg. Sales Tax9%10.25%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Aviation, HealthcareTrade, Technology, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyVisibleNoticeable
HomelessnessManageableProblematic

Moving from Charleston to Long Beach introduces significant changes in the cost of living and economic environment. With a higher cost of living index in Long Beach, expect to pay more for housing, groceries, and other essentials, despite having a higher average household income. State income tax in California is also higher, which affects your overall take-home pay. Though both areas exhibit visible signs of poverty, Long Beach has more pronounced homelessness issues. It's also worth noting the shift in major industries, emphasizing trade and technology in Long Beach compared to Charleston's focus on tourism.

Charleston vs. Long Beach Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Charleston, SC to Long Beach, CA? Here's a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. Explore the differences in the politics between Charleston & Long Beach and gain a fresh perspective as you plan your move.

CharlestonLong Beach
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsCity Council MeetingsProgressive Initiatives
ReligionChristianity CathedralDiverse

As you consider your move, you'll notice that Charleston and Long Beach offer contrasting political landscapes, with Charleston leaning more conservative and Long Beach inclined towards liberal views. This differing political climate can affect local policies and community initiatives, influencing your everyday experiences. For example, Charleston's city council often focuses on traditional South Carolina values, while in Long Beach, you might find progressive policies promoting environmental and social issues. The religious landscape also shifts, with Charleston predominantly surrounded by Christian services and landmarks, compared to Long Beach's more diverse religious scene. This spectrum of beliefs may offer you a broader perspective on cultural and community experiences.

Charleston vs. Long Beach Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Long Beach to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in these cities as you plan your move.

ComparisonCharlestonLong Beach
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?SometimesYes

When transitioning from Charleston to Long Beach, one of the first differences you'll notice is the increased reliance on public transit. Long Beach offers an extensive network that includes buses and light rail, making it easier to navigate without a car. Moreover, traffic congestion in Long Beach is notably higher, which might add some time to your daily commute. Despite these challenges, Long Beach's public transportation ease and connectivity can offer a viable alternative to driving, unlike Charleston, where a car might still be more necessary for reaching certain areas efficiently.

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