Best Charleston to Austin Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Charleston to Austin and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,261 mile move from South Carolina to Texas go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Charleston to Austin 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 MoverTron Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Charleston compared to Austin. 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 Austin Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MoverTron Moving | 9.44 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Heavenly Moving and Storage | 9.29 | 9.38 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Smooth Move Charleston | 9.21 | 9.46 | Authorized For HHG | 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 |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Charleston to Austin
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,261 miles from Charleston, SC to Austin, TX will cost on average $2,854 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Austin move is roughly $6,865. 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 | $1,917 | 300 ft³ | 6.39 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,854 | 450 ft³ | 6.34 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,718 | 750 ft³ | 6.29 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,865 | 1100 ft³ | 6.24 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,906 | 1600 ft³ | 6.19 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $11,054 | 1800 ft³ | 6.14 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Austin to Charleston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Austin Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
MoverTron Moving
Briarcliff, TX, 78669
Services
- Local Moving
- Residential Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4135479 / 1584479 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Heavenly Moving and Storage
This listing has been claimed by Heavenly Moving and Storage9311 N Fm 620
Austin, TX, 78726
About Heavenly Moving and Storage
Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-quality packing...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Full-service packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3429695 / 1110864 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 10 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2021) |
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) |
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. Austin Neighborhood Comparison
Finding your way in a new city can feel overwhelming, but by comparing familiar neighborhoods in your current city with those in your future home, you'll transition smoothly. This guide helps you navigate the local neighborhoods between Charleston, SC & Austin, TX by finding their closest equivalents.
| Charleston | Austin | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Charleston | Downtown Austin | Vibrant cultural hub |
| Mount Pleasant | West Lake Hills | Suburban feel, upscale living |
| West Ashley | South Austin | Relaxed vibe, nature-scapes |
| James Island | East Austin | Eclectic mix, community feel |
| Sullivan's Island | Lake Austin | Scenic beauty, waterfront living |
| North Charleston | Hyde Park | Diverse community, historic charm |
| Kiawah Island | Barton Creek | Luxury living, golfing |
| Folly Beach | Lady Bird Lake | Outdoorsy, active lifestyle |
| Isle of Palms | Lake Travis | Resort-style, family-friendly |
| Daniel Island | Cedar Park | Growing community, schools |
In Charleston, if you love the historical charm and vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Charleston, you'll find a similar energetic pulse in Downtown Austin, where music festivals line the streets and local eateries like Franklin Barbecue offer iconic Texas flavors. For those who appreciate the scenic landscapes of Sullivan's Island, the picturesque views at Lake Austin with its sparkling waters and serene environment offer a peaceful retreat amidst the city's hustle. Meanwhile, Folly Beach lovers, accustomed to sun-soaked sands and the easygoing lifestyle, will likely enjoy the active community surrounding Lady Bird Lake, where biking, kayaking, and music come together by the water's edge.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Austin
Making a move from Charleston, SC to Austin, TX involves weighing various factors. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection, highlighting the cons of Charleston, SC and the pros of Austin, TX ; as well as the pros of Charleston, SC versus the cons of Austin, TX . This will guide you in evaluating both the challenges and benefits of your relocation.
Charleston, SC- Hurricane risk
- Humidity
- Limited tech jobs
- Higher property taxes
- Ample mosquitoes
Austin, TX- Fewer natural disasters
- Dryer climate
- Thriving tech industry
- Lower property taxes
- Fewer mosquitoes
Austin, TX- Rapid development
- Modern skyscrapers
- No nearby beaches
- Hustle culture
- Tex-Mex dominance
Charleston, SC- Rich history
- Charming architecture
- Coastal lifestyle
- Slower pace
- Southern cuisine
While Charleston is known for its charming architectural beauty and rich history, which can be seen in places like the Historic District, Austin offers a bustling tech scene as seen in areas like Central Austin, providing fertile ground for career growth. Additionally, you’ll find a stark contrast in the climate: Charleston’s humidity gives way to Austin’s dryer atmosphere, particularly well-suited for outdoor activities at the Barton Creek Greenbelt. However, you might miss the southern cuisine hallmark of Charleston at local favorites such as Magnolias, as Austin's culinary scene is dominated by Tex-Mex offerings. Lastly, Charleston’s slower pace might be more appealing compared to Austin’s fast-moving lifestyle, concentrated in buzzing neighborhoods like Downtown Austin.
Charleston vs. Austin Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and plays a huge role in the experience of living in a new area. Understanding the culinary landscape can enhance your transition to a new city. Here, we explore the local cuisine comparison between Charleston & Austin to inform you about the food scene you'll encounter.
| Charleston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Shrimp and Grits | Breakfast Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | She-Crab Soup | Texas Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Chicken | Queso |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Hush Puppies | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants |
| |
| 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 Austin means you'll dive into a vibrant food scene characterized by an array of food trucks and diverse culinary choices. The city is well-known for its breakfast tacos and barbecued brisket. You can explore the buzzing East Austin district renowned for its food trucks or settle in at Franklin Barbecue for a classic Texas experience. For those following a vegan lifestyle, the city is quite accommodating, offering delicious options such as Jackfruit Tacos, especially popular in the Downtown and South Congress areas. As you settle in, you’ll find Austin’s vibe a bit more eclectic and spontaneous, with culinary inspirations drawn from various cultures.
Charleston vs. Austin Restaurant Comparison
Feeling at home involves discovering familiar comforts, including food. Whether you're craving elegant dining or hearty comfort food, this restaurant comparison will help guide your culinary adventures from Charleston to Austin by matching top local eateries to their Texas counterparts.
| Charleston | Austin | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Halls Chophouse | Jeffrey's | Known for its prime steaks and fine dining atmosphere |
| FIG | Uchi | Celebrated for innovative dishes using local, seasonal ingredients |
| Leon’s Oyster Shop | Perla's | Offers fresh seafood in a laid-back setting |
| Xiao Bao Biscuit | Ramen Tatsu-Ya | Both are celebrated for modern takes on Asian cuisine |
| Magnolias | Olamaie | Elevates Southern classics with a contemporary twist |
| Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar | Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile | Shares a riverside vibe with rustic charm and quality fare |
| Rodney Scott's BBQ | Franklin Barbecue | A barbecue haven known for its long lines and legendary smoked meats |
| The Ordinary | Clark's Oyster Bar | Both focus on seafood excellence with a stylish ambiance |
| Husk | Odd Duck | Celebrated for innovative farm-to-table dishes in a trendy setting |
| Poe’s Tavern | Whip In | Combines comfort food with an eclectic vibe |
The transition from Charleston's dining scene to Austin's might be seamless with spots like Halls Chophouse and Austin's Jeffrey's, both of which offer premium steakhouse experiences. If seafood is your gastronomic go-to, Leon’s Oyster Shop and Austin’s Perla's provide oceanic delights in relaxed atmospheres. For foodies with a penchant for Asian-inspired dishes, Xiao Bao Biscuit in Charleston and Ramen Tatsu-Ya in Austin both serve contemporary takes on traditional Asian fare. Lastly, for barbecue lovers, the savory smokiness of Rodney Scott's BBQ matches the legendary meats at Austin’s Franklin Barbecue, ensuring your BBQ cravings are captured in your new culinary landscape.
Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Austin Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor when considering relocation. By comparing Charleston and Austin , you’ll gain insights into key aspects like housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle. This helps you make an informed decision on your move.
| Comparison | Charleston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial and Victorian | Modern and Minimalist |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Wrap-around porches | Open floor plans |
When comparing housing styles, Charleston is known for its historic charm, with architectural treasures such as Colonial and Victorian homes. This contrasts with Austin, where the trend leans toward modern and minimalist designs, offering sleek and open floor plans. While Charleston's real estate buzz often highlights features like wrap-around porches, Austin homes frequently showcase open-concept living areas. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you'll find Austin to be bike-friendly, scoring higher in bikeability than Charleston. For walkability, though, both cities offer vibrant neighborhoods, with Charleston having a slight edge. Consider how these factors align with your lifestyle preferences and real estate goals.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Austin, TX
1. Zilker: This neighborhood is a paradise for your pets, offering the sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park and the leash-free Barkin Springs, where your furry friends can play and splash to their heart's content.
2. South Congress: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, South Congress is pet-friendly with numerous cafes and shops like Jo's Coffee that welcome pets, making it the perfect neighborhood for pet owners who love to dine and shop with their furry companions.
3. Travis Heights: With its close proximity to the Stacy Parks and off-leash areas, this neighborhood is ideal for pet owners seeking a community that values outdoor activities and has access to pet-friendly spaces.
Charleston vs. Austin Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move from Charleston to Austin , it's crucial to understand how the weather differs between these two locations. This knowledge will help you adjust to the new climate and plan accordingly for clothing, activities, and lifestyle changes.
Charleston, SC
Austin, TX
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Austin, TX
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, SC
Austin, TX
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, SC
Austin, TX
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Charleston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes | Floods, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Charleston to Austin will see you adjusting to slightly higher summer temperatures, with Austin often being hotter. However, the winter in Austin is only a tad warmer, providing comfort through the cooler months. While both cities enjoy ample sunshine annually, Austin experiences a dry heat compared to Charleston's higher humidity, which can feel more oppressive. Be aware of the change in weather phenomena, as Austin is more prone to floods and tornadoes, whereas Charleston mainly deals with hurricanes. Additionally, if you suffer from allergies, you'll need to prepare for different allergens, particularly Austin's infamous cedar pollen.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Austin
When moving from Charleston, SC to Austin, TX , it's crucial to compare the cost of living and related financial aspects to understand how you will need to adjust your financial planning and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Charleston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,139 | $79,542 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 95.5 |
| State Income Tax | 7 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.5 | 2.1 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9 | 8.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Healthcare, Education | Technology, Education, Government |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Visible | Concerning |
Moving from Charleston to Austin means adjusting to a different financial landscape. While Charleston has a slightly lower cost of living index, Austin's average household income is higher. This increase in income can help offset the zero state income tax in Texas, a significant benefit compared to South Carolina's rate. However, you should be prepared for the higher property taxes in Austin. Additionally, Austin's economy is bolstered by a thriving tech industry, which may offer different job opportunities compared to Charleston's tourism-driven market.
Charleston vs. Austin Political & Religious Comparison
Understanding the cultural climate you're moving to can be helpful. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Charleston & Austin , giving you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents.
| Charleston | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately conservative | Strongly liberal |
| Local Politics | Republican-dominated city council | Democratic majority in city council |
| Religion | Predominantly Christian, with many churches like St. John's Lutheran Church | More religiously diverse, including a notable presence of non-Christian religious communities |
As you transition from Charleston to Austin, you'll notice a shift in both political and religious environments. Charleston's political landscape tends to lean conservative, with many local policies shaped by a Republican city council. In contrast, Austin's political climate is more liberal, reflected in its Democratic-majority city council. When considering religious diversity, Austin offers a wider spectrum than Charleston, with vibrant non-Christian communities adding to the city's cultural tapestry. Embracing these differences can enrich your understanding and experience as you settle into your new city.
Charleston vs. Austin Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic patterns can ease your transition from one city to another. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Austin will provide insights to help you adapt to your new environment, whether you're navigating the streets by car or relying on public transit.
| Comparison | Charleston | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 28 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
Moving from Charleston to Austin, you'll notice differences in commuting experiences. For starters, traffic congestion is slightly more pronounced in Austin, with a 7 out of 10 compared to Charleston's 5. This might be due to Austin's larger population and the influx of new residents. However, Austin offers a better public transit system, scoring a 6 compared to Charleston's 4. While Charleston may require you to rely on a car for most of your transportation needs, Austin's mix of buses and light rail, such as the Capital MetroRail, can make living car-free a feasible option. As you settle in, exploring these transit options and planning routes accordingly can help you acclimate smoothly to Austin's vibrant lifestyle.
Additional Resources
Charleston Moving Services
Popular Charleston to Texas Routes
Popular Moving Resources
