Best Charleston to Louisville Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Charleston to Louisville and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 616 mile move from South Carolina to Kentucky go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 Charleston to Louisville 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 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charleston compared to Louisville. 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 Louisville 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 | UNITS of Kentucky | 8.93 | 9.13 | Active | Contact |
4 | Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving | 8.76 | 9.14 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Armstrong Relocation | 8.15 | 7.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Charleston to Louisville
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 616 miles from Charleston, SC to Louisville, KY will cost on average $2,305 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Louisville move is roughly $5,525. 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 | $1,552 | 300 ft³ | 5.17 |
1 Bedroom | $2,305 | 450 ft³ | 5.12 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,804 | 750 ft³ | 5.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,525 | 1100 ft³ | 5.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,956 | 1600 ft³ | 4.97 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,860 | 1800 ft³ | 4.92 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Louisville to Charleston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Louisville 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) |

UNITS of Kentucky
1841 Taylor Ave Building # 32
Louisville, KY, 40213
About UNITS of Kentucky
UNITS of Kentucky is a locally-owned and operated moving and portable storage company founded in 2004. The company offers convenient moving...
Services
- Storage
- Moving
- Moving & Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 439414 / - Active Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2022) |

Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving
1861 Williamson Ct
Louisville, KY, 40223
About Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving
Your one-stop-shop moving company in Louisville, Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving serves local Kentucky and Southern Indiana residents and businesses with...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1834511 / 1460292 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (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. Louisville Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when unfamiliar with its neighborhoods. This guide helps you mentally map out your transition by finding similarities in neighborhoods between Charleston, SC and Louisville, KY , allowing you to use your knowledge of Charleston as a baseline.
Charleston | Louisville | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Downtown Charleston | Old Louisville | Historical charm, vibrant arts scene |
Mount Pleasant | St. Matthews | Suburban feel with shopping and dining |
West Ashley | Highlands | Diverse food options, cultural diversity |
Sullivans Island | Prospect | Waterfront living with upscale homes |
James Island | Jeffersontown | Family-friendly with parks and green spaces |
Isle of Palms | Norton Commons | Planned community with modern amenities |
North Charleston | New Albany | Industrial hub with cultural sites |
Summerville | Middletown | Small-town vibe, community-focused |
Daniel Island | Crescent Hill | Family-oriented with local eateries |
Folly Beach | Shively | Laid-back atmosphere, close to nature |
For anyone enamored by the historic allure of Downtown Charleston, Old Louisville offers a similar ambiance with its Victorian architecture and bustling arts scene. Explore venues like the Speed Art Museum and historic sites you might find comparable to Charleston's rich past. If you relish the blend of suburbia and convenience in Mount Pleasant, you’ll find St. Matthews offers ample shopping and dining, anchored by landmarks like Mall St. Matthews. James Island's family-friendly atmosphere is akin to Jeffersontown, where parks such as Skyview Park provide expansive green spaces for recreation. For those who love a beachfront lifestyle similar to Sullivans Island, Prospect’s upscale waterfront homes offer serene views and a luxurious environment. Lastly, Folly Beach’s laid-back, nature-centric charm finds its match in the easygoing vibes of Shively, perfect for those who cherish proximity to the great outdoors.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Louisville
When considering a move from Charleston, SC to Louisville, KY, it's important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating between Charleston, SC and Louisville, KY . This way, you can make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
- Hurricane risks
- Summer humidity
- Tourist congestion
- Higher cost of living
- Less storm activity
- Cooler summers
- Quieter neighborhoods
- More affordable housing
- No nearby beaches
- Less historical sites
- Lacking historic charm
- Cuisine diversity varies
- Beach proximity
- Rich history
- Charming architecture
- Southern cuisine
Living in Charleston offers the unique charm of historic neighborhoods like the French Quarter and the beautiful beaches of Sullivan’s Island. For those who appreciate history and architecture, Charleston's offerings are hard to match. However, if you prefer a quieter lifestyle, neighborhoods like the Highlands in Louisville provide tranquil, leafy streets without the burden of heavy tourist crowds. Louisville also hits the mark with affordability; areas such as Clifton are known for their more reasonably priced housing options, allowing you to enjoy benefits like [expansive parks](https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/cherokee-park) or dining at [local favorites](https://www.hillbillytea.com/) without breaking the bank. While you might miss Charleston’s beaches, the Louisville waterfront and numerous lakes offer their own scenic walks and recreational activities.
Charleston vs. Louisville Food Guide
Food is an integral component of local culture, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle and spirit of a region. Through this comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston & Louisville , you'll gain valuable insights into the culinary options available as you transition to a new area.
Charleston | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Hot Brown |
Most popular meat dish | She-Crab Soup | Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork |
Most popular street food item | Crab Cake Sandwich | BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Crab Cake | Vegan Hot Brown |
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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Louisville, the iconic Hot Brown sandwich can be enjoyed in various neighborhoods, but the Highlands is a standout area featuring numerous options. Meanwhile, the city's emerging vegan scene, notably the Vegan Hot Brown, demonstrates its adaptability. With the popularity of food trucks in Louisville, you'll find them clustered in places like NuLu and downtown, offering an eclectic mix of local delights ranging from the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich to more avant-garde options. As you explore, make sure you don't miss Bourbon Barrel Smoked Pork at local favorites like Mark's Feed Store.
Charleston vs. Louisville Restaurant Comparison
Whether you're a foodie or just someone who appreciates a great meal, finding new favorite eateries is key to making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison for Charleston and Louisville will guide you in discovering delectable dining spots that remind you of your current hometown and satisfy your culinary cravings as you settle into Louisville.
Charleston | Louisville | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Zuni's Bistro | Napa River Grill | Similar coastal influence with a focus on fresh seafood |
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit | Biscuit Belly | Known for creative and hearty biscuit sandwiches |
The Ordinary | River House | Offers an upscale seafood experience on the river |
Husk | Harvest | Farm-to-table concept celebrating local ingredients |
Leon’s Oyster Shop | Mussel & Burger Bar | Celebrates shellfish with a Southern twist |
Bowen’s Island Restaurant | Captains Quarters | Combines seafood with scenic water views |
Lewis BBQ | Feast BBQ | Offers succulent BBQ with an innovative approach |
Hominy Grill | Southern Belles | Celebrates classic Southern comfort food |
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar | Doc Crow's | Features southern seafood with an upscale flair |
Xiao Bao Biscuit | Mayan Cafe | Fuses global cuisine with local ingredients |
When you move to Louisville, your love for delectable seafood won't be disappointed. River House mirrors The Ordinary with its upscale approach to seafood dining, offering an exceptional river-side experience. For those cherished casual bites that made Charleston warm and familiar, Biscuit Belly's inventive selection brings a taste of comfort similar to Callie's Hot Little Biscuit. Meanwhile, if you're craving a hearty BBQ feast, Feast BBQ showcases a modern twist on the smoked flavors familiar to Lewis BBQ fans, promising exciting culinary adventures using innovative flavors and cooking techniques. These parallels should ease the transition, ensuring your palate remains as thrilled as your adventurous spirit.

Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Louisville Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know how Charleston and Louisville compare to make an informed decision. Understanding the differences in housing will help you find a new home that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Georgian | Shotgun House |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront Views | Garages |
You'll find significant differences in housing costs between Charleston and Louisville. Charleston’s median home price is around $430,000, reflecting its appeal as a historical and coastal city, often featuring Georgian architecture. In contrast, Louisville offers more affordable options with a median price of $215,000, where the Shotgun House style is more prevalent. The cities also differ in terms of walkability and bikeability, with Louisville scoring higher, which may enhance your urban lifestyle experience. If proximity to the water is something you cherish, waterfront views are prominently highlighted in Charleston listings, an appealing factor for those who enjoy coastal living.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Louisville, KY
1. The Highlands: Known for its pet-friendly atmosphere, The Highlands boasts numerous dog parks, like Baxter Square, and pet-friendly dining options, making it a haven for pet owners.
2. Crescent Hill: Crescent Hill features wide, walkable streets and the popular Crescent Hill Park, ensuring your furry friends have plenty of space to explore and play.
3. Nulu: This trendy neighborhood is not just about art and dining; it's also home to several pet-centric businesses like pet boutiques and bakeries, making it a perfect spot for pet lovers.
Charleston vs. Louisville Weather Considerations
When moving from one city to another, understanding the weather variations can help in preparing for the lifestyle change. This comparison between Charleston, SC and Louisville, KY aims to guide you through the climatic differences, helping you adjust to new weather patterns with ease.
Charleston, SC
Louisville, KY
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Louisville, KY
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Louisville, KY
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, SC
Louisville, KY
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Tornadoes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Adjusting to Louisville's long winters can be a shift, particularly compared to Charleston's milder temperatures. With nearly 13 inches of annual snowfall in Louisville and only 0.5 inches in Charleston, you'll notice a significant change in winter experiences. Humidity levels are quite similar, though Charleston has a slight edge, creating more balmy summer days. While both cities generally maintain good air quality, note the shifts in allergy seasons. Prepare for different allergens to affect you in each location, such as ragweed in Louisville.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Louisville
If you're considering a move from Charleston, SC to Louisville, KY , understanding how the cost of living will compare is essential. This comparison will help you assess how both cities stack up financially, giving you an idea of what to expect when you transition between Charleston and Louisville .
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,139 | $57,182 |
Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 87.7 |
State Income Tax | 7% | 5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.57% | 0.86% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Defense, Healthcare | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics |
Affluence | Prosperous | Stable |
Poverty | Moderate | Noticeable |
Homelessness | Contained | Rising |
When you compare Charleston and Louisville, the cost of living index is a significant factor. Charleston, with a slightly higher index, indicates a higher overall cost for goods and services. Although the average household income is higher in Charleston, Louisville offers an affordable advantage with its lower cost of living and state income tax. Moreover, while touristic and defense industries dominate Charleston, Louisville's economy is bolstered by healthcare and manufacturing sectors, suggesting potential job market differences you may want to consider.
Charleston vs. Louisville Political & Religious Comparison
Considering a move from Charleston, SC to Louisville, KY? This overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of these two cities, highlighting the comparison of the politics between Charleston & Louisville to help you anticipate the cultural shift you might experience.
Charleston | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratic leaning | Usually Democratic |
Local Politics | Home to [Charleston City Council](https://www.charleston-sc.gov/) | Managed by [Louisville Metro Council](https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council) |
Religion | Predominantly Protestant | Diverse religious community |
Moving from Charleston to Louisville involves a transition in cultural and political landscapes. Charleston, known for its Democratic tendencies, offers a political climate that shows balanced civic engagement, while Louisville typically supports Democratic candidates, reflecting its progressive urban environment. When it comes to religion, Charleston is predominantly Protestant, which is deeply embedded in local traditions and values, whereas Louisville is recognized for its religious diversity, featuring a mix of Christian denominations and other faiths. This diversity is often reflected in [events and festivals](https://www.gotolouisville.com/) around the city, enriching the local community with a wide array of cultural experiences.
Charleston vs. Louisville Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Louisville aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you transition from one city to the other. Whether you're planning to drive or use public transport, knowing the differences will prepare you for your new daily routine.
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 24 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes, but not easily |
Moving to Louisville might feel like a breath of fresh air if you're used to Charleston's commute times, which are slightly lower but come with moderate traffic congestion. Louisville offers better public transit options, scoring higher on availability, which might make it feasible if you prefer not to drive. However, keep in mind that while you can manage without a car in Louisville, it might not be as convenient as you hope. This insight into transportation options can help you plan your daily routine and lifestyle adjustments when you move.



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