Best Charleston to Louisville Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Charleston to Louisville Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Smooth Move Charleston9.219.46Authorized For HHGContact
2Ready Set Movers9.169.22Authorized For HHGContact
3UNITS of Kentucky8.939.13ActiveContact
4Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving8.769.14Authorized For HHGContact
5Armstrong Relocation8.157.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,552300 ft³5.17
1 Bedroom$2,305450 ft³5.12
2 Bedrooms$3,804750 ft³5.07
3 Bedrooms$5,5251100 ft³5.02
4 Bedrooms$7,9561600 ft³4.97
5+ Bedrooms$8,8601800 ft³4.92
*Please note: These South Carolina to Kentucky moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from South Carolina & Kentucky. 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 KY mover.
South Carolina iconArrow iconKentucky icon
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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 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
1
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
2
UNITS of Kentucky Logo

UNITS of Kentucky

Superb8.93/10
based on 186+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 2/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

439414 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving Logo

Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving

Superb8.76/10
based on 1,707+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1834511 / 1460292

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (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. 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.

CharlestonLouisvilleHow They're Similar
Downtown CharlestonOld LouisvilleHistorical charm, vibrant arts scene
Mount PleasantSt. MatthewsSuburban feel with shopping and dining
West AshleyHighlandsDiverse food options, cultural diversity
Sullivans IslandProspectWaterfront living with upscale homes
James IslandJeffersontownFamily-friendly with parks and green spaces
Isle of PalmsNorton CommonsPlanned community with modern amenities
North CharlestonNew AlbanyIndustrial hub with cultural sites
SummervilleMiddletownSmall-town vibe, community-focused
Daniel IslandCrescent HillFamily-oriented with local eateries
Folly BeachShivelyLaid-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.

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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.

CONs
PROs
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Hurricane risks
  • Summer humidity
  • Tourist congestion
  • Higher cost of living
Louisville, KY iconLouisville, KY
  • Less storm activity
  • Cooler summers
  • Quieter neighborhoods
  • More affordable housing
Louisville, KY iconLouisville, KY
  • No nearby beaches
  • Less historical sites
  • Lacking historic charm
  • Cuisine diversity varies
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • 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.

CharlestonLouisville
Most iconic local food itemShrimp and GritsHot Brown
Most popular meat dishShe-Crab SoupBourbon Barrel Smoked Pork
Most popular street food itemCrab Cake SandwichBBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodVegan Crab CakeVegan 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.

CharlestonLouisvilleWhat You'll Love
Zuni's BistroNapa River GrillSimilar coastal influence with a focus on fresh seafood
Callie's Hot Little BiscuitBiscuit BellyKnown for creative and hearty biscuit sandwiches
The OrdinaryRiver HouseOffers an upscale seafood experience on the river
HuskHarvestFarm-to-table concept celebrating local ingredients
Leon’s Oyster ShopMussel & Burger BarCelebrates shellfish with a Southern twist
Bowen’s Island RestaurantCaptains QuartersCombines seafood with scenic water views
Lewis BBQFeast BBQOffers succulent BBQ with an innovative approach
Hominy GrillSouthern BellesCelebrates classic Southern comfort food
Fleet Landing Restaurant & BarDoc Crow'sFeatures southern seafood with an upscale flair
Xiao Bao BiscuitMayan CafeFuses 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.

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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.

ComparisonCharlestonLouisville
Typical Architecture StyleGeorgianShotgun House
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWaterfront ViewsGarages

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 background image

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.

Summer icon
90/72

Charleston, SC

87/68

Louisville, KY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60/40

Charleston, SC

43/27

Louisville, KY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
48

Charleston, SC

45

Louisville, KY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0.5

Charleston, SC

13

Louisville, KY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCharlestonLouisville
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersHurricanesTornadoes
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 .

ComparisonCharlestonLouisville
Avg. Household Income$74,139$57,182
Cost of Living Index98.387.7
State Income Tax7%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.86%
Avg. Sales Tax9%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Defense, HealthcareHealthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics
AffluenceProsperousStable
PovertyModerateNoticeable
HomelessnessContainedRising

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.

CharlestonLouisville
Political Make-upDemocratic leaningUsually Democratic
Local PoliticsHome to [Charleston City Council](https://www.charleston-sc.gov/)Managed by [Louisville Metro Council](https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council)
ReligionPredominantly ProtestantDiverse 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.

ComparisonCharlestonLouisville
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?NoYes, 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.

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