Best Charleston to Long Beach Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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 Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | RL Relocation | 9.44 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Trek Movers | 9.19 | 9.02 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
4 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Armstrong Relocation | 8.15 | 7.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,690 | 300 ft³ | 8.97 |
1 Bedroom | $4,012 | 450 ft³ | 8.92 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,649 | 750 ft³ | 8.87 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,697 | 1100 ft³ | 8.82 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,024 | 1600 ft³ | 8.77 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,687 | 1800 ft³ | 8.72 |


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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2984580 / 15998 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 159,984 (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) |

Trek Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3256910 / 1424894 Authorized For Property Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 15,000 (2023) |

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) |

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. 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.
Charleston | Long Beach | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
French Quarter | Bixby Knolls | Artsy, historic ambiance |
Cannonborough-Elliottborough | East Village | Vibrant, youthful atmosphere |
South of Broad | Naples Island | Elegant waterfront living |
Wagener Terrace | Belmont Shore | Family-friendly local spots |
Harleston Village | Downtown Long Beach | Urban, walkable culture |
North Charleston | North Long Beach | Residential, diverse communities |
Daniel Island | El Dorado Park | Suburban, park-centered activities |
Westside | Zaferia | Eclectic mix of shops and cafes |
James Island | Lakewood Village | Quiet suburban feel |
Mount Pleasant | Signal Hill | Growing 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.
- Summer humidity
- Limited public transit
- Fewer tech jobs
- Narrow beaches
- Mild, dry weather
- Efficient transit options
- Thriving job market
- Wide sandy beaches
- High living costs
- Heavy traffic
- Pricier food options
- Higher noise levels
- 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.
Charleston | Long Beach | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Fish Tacos |
Most popular meat dish | Frogmore Stew | Korean BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Boiled Peanuts | Ramen Burrito |
Most popular vegan food | Collard Greens | Vegan Sushi |
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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
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.
Charleston | Long Beach | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Husk | The Attic | Modern Southern cuisine with creative twists |
FIG | Restauration | Cozy, farm-to-table dining experiences |
Hominy Grill | Southern Spice | Homestyle Southern comfort food |
Xiao Bao Biscuit | Panxa Cocina | Fusion of Asian flavors with a modern vibe |
Poe's Tavern | Shannon's On Pine | Iconic burger and pub atmosphere |
Leon’s Oyster Shop | The Crab Pot | Fresh seafood delights to satisfy your cravings |
Butcher & Bee | Wide Eyes Open Palms | Casual dining with fresh, local ingredients |
Rodney Scott's BBQ | Naples Rib Company | Classic BBQ flavors featuring slow-cooked meats |
Fleet Landing | Parker's Lighthouse | Oceanfront dining with seafood specialties |
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit | Sweet Dixie Kitchen | Comfort 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.

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.
Comparison | Charleston | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial & Gothic Revival | Art Deco & Spanish Colonial |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Porches, Historic Districts | Beach 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 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.
Charleston, SC
Long Beach, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Long Beach, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Long Beach, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, SC
Long Beach, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Charleston | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Earthquakes |
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.
Comparison | Charleston | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,139 | $73,905 |
Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 7% | 9.3% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.5% | 0.8% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9% | 10.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Aviation, Healthcare | Trade, Technology, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Visible | Noticeable |
Homelessness | Manageable | Problematic |
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.
Charleston | Long Beach | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Liberal |
Local Politics | City Council Meetings | Progressive Initiatives |
Religion | Christianity Cathedral | Diverse |
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.
Comparison | Charleston | Long Beach |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 30 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Sometimes | Yes |
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.



Additional Resources
Charleston Moving Services
Popular Charleston to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources