Best Orlando to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Orlando to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 378 mile move from Florida to South Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 21 Orlando to Charleston 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 Sebastian Moving and More), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Orlando compared to Charleston. 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 Orlando to Charleston Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Sebastian Moving and More9.729.69Authorized For HHG
2Smooth Move Charleston9.219.46Authorized For HHG
3Ready Set Movers9.179.22Authorized For HHG
4Orlando Express Movers Inc.8.939.28Authorized For Property
5D.C. Moore & Son8.688.94Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Orlando to Charleston?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 378 miles from Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC will cost on average $1,787 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Orlando to Charleston move is roughly $4,275. 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$1,204300 ft³$4.01
1 Bedroom$1,787450 ft³$3.97
2 Bedrooms$2,947750 ft³$3.93
3 Bedrooms$4,2751100 ft³$3.89
4 Bedrooms$6,1511600 ft³$3.84
5+ Bedrooms$6,8431800 ft³$3.80
*Please note: These Florida to South Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Florida & South Carolina. 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 FL to SC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Orlando guide.

Compare the 5 Best Orlando to Charleston Movers

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

Sebastian Moving and More Logo

Sebastian Moving and More

Exceptional9.72/10
based on 5,321+ data points

6375 N Orange Blossom Trail

Orlando, FL, 32810

About Sebastian Moving and More

Sebastian Moving has over 15 years of experience in the moving business. It will provide shrink wrapping, packing, crating, loading, unloading,...

Services

  • Full Service Moves in Orlando
  • Air-Conditioned Storage
  • Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1575104 / 583326

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans16
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Smooth Move Charleston Logo

Smooth Move Charleston

Exceptional9.21/10
based on 2,898+ 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
Ready Set Movers Logo

Ready Set Movers

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 819+ 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
3
Orlando Express Movers Inc. Logo

Orlando Express Movers Inc.

Superb8.93/10
based on 2,414+ data points

3646 Old Winter Gdn

Orlando, FL, 32805

About Orlando Express Movers Inc.

Orlando Express Movers Inc. has been customizing full-service moves since 2008. This Orlando company emphasizes individual needs and unique moving packages...

Services

  • Full-service residential moving
  • Local and long-distance relocation
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2521724 / 875549

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans63
Registered Drivers60
Total Annual Miles Moved9,886,327 (2020)
View Full Review
4
D.C. Moore & Son Logo

D.C. Moore & Son

Fabulous8.68/10
based on 277+ data points

1201 Upsala Rd

Sanford, FL, 32771

About D.C. Moore & Son

Not many moving companies can say they’ve been around as long as D.C. Moore & Son. This mover was established in...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Storage In Orlando

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

659885 / 305054

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (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.

Orlando vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but by comparing neighborhoods between Orlando, FL & Charleston, SC , you can familiarize yourself with Charleston using Orlando as your guide. Discover the nuances between these communities and transition with confidence.

OrlandoCharlestonHow They're Similar
Lake Eola HeightsHistoric CharlestonQuaint, historic vibe
Thornton ParkFrench QuarterVibrant, artsy atmosphere
Baldwin ParkDaniel IslandFamily-friendly, planned community
Winter ParkMount PleasantUpscale, charming shopping
Mills 50North Morrison (NoMo)Eclectic, cultural diversity
College ParkWest AshleyCozy, tree-lined streets
Downtown OrlandoDowntown CharlestonBustling, urban core
Ivanhoe VillageCannonborough-ElliotboroughHip, indie shops
Audubon ParkWagener TerraceCommunity-focused, green spaces
CelebrationShelmore VillageMaster-planned, community-oriented

For those transitioning from the artsy ambiance of Thornton Park, Charleston's French Quarter presents a similarly vibrant environment with its galleries, restaurants, and lively art scene. Enjoy compelling exhibits at the Take Space or relax by the waterfront with delicious cuisine at the Griffon Pub. In Baldwin Park, family-friendly amenities and community events flourish, a trait mirrored by Daniel Island, known for its beautiful parks such as Daniel Island Community Park. Downtown Orlando's lively urban beat finds its match in Downtown Charleston, brimming with historic charm and the vibrant energy of the Historic Charleston Foundation.

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Things to Do in Charleston

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Orlando to Charleston

Moving from Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC presents a myriad of experiences, both challenging and rewarding. Our comparison will provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation , focusing on how Orlando contrasts with vibrant Charleston to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Orlando, FL iconOrlando, FL
  • Heavy traffic
  • Tourist crowds
  • Summer humidity
  • Flat terrain
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Less congestion
  • More peaceful vibe
  • Fresher sea breezes
  • Scenic walking trails
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Limited theme parks
  • Fewer international cuisines
  • Seasonal temperature dips
  • Less transit coverage
Orlando, FL iconOrlando, FL
  • World-class attractions
  • Diverse dining options
  • Year-round warmth
  • Extensive public transit

Orlando's bustling scene can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to navigate through tourist-heavy areas like International Drive. However, Charleston provides a calmer environment, with places like Waterfront Park offering a serene escape. While Orlando boasts diverse dining experiences at ICON Park, Charleston's local gems such as Hominy Grill bring southern flavors to life. Though both cities offer warmth, Charleston's milder climate can make a stroll down Folly Beach particularly enjoyable. Additionally, while Orlando has abundant public transport, Charleston offers picturesque walking experiences, perfect for exploring historic neighborhoods like Charleston Historic District.

Orlando vs. Charleston Food Guide

Food is an essential part of local culture and plays a significant role in how we experience a new city. This guide will provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Orlando & Charleston to help you become better acquainted with the food scene as you make your move from central Florida to South Carolina.

Orlando
Charleston
Most iconic local food item
Cuban Sandwich
Shrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dish
Key Lime Chicken
Lowcountry Boil
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Fried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan food
Quinoa Salad
Vegan BBQ
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 Charleston, the food scene is distinguished by its Southern charm, highlighted by the iconic shrimp and grits, which you can savor at places like Poogan's Porch in the historic district. If you're a fan of seafood, the Lowcountry Boil is a must-try, with establishments in Cannonborough-Elliottborough offering their unique takes. The city also boasts a vibrant vegan scene, reflected in its higher rating compared to Orlando, with restaurants in the East Side neighborhood offering enticing vegan BBQ options. Moreover, Charleston's commitment to preserving its culinary heritage while embracing new trends ensures that your culinary adventures here will be both rewarding and memorable.

Orlando vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison

Relocating to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding your favorite dining spots. By comparing the top restaurants in Orlando to their Charleston counterparts , you can easily discover places that might make you feel at home in your new surroundings.

OrlandoCharlestonWhat You'll Love
Victoria & Albert'sFIGOffers a similar upscale dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
The Ravenous PigEdmund's OastKnown for inventive dishes and a robust craft beer selection
PratoIndacoBoth serve rustic yet modern Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh pasta
4 Rivers SmokehouseLewis BarbecueProvides a similar authentic barbecue experience known for smoked meats
Se7en BitesCallie's Hot Little BiscuitCelebrated for delicious Southern breakfast and brunch staples
DomuCoBoth offer innovative ramen and a selection of Asian-inspired small plates
HillstoneHalls ChophouseRenowned for its classic American fare with steakhouse vibes
Luma on ParkHuskWidely praised for its commitment to Southern flavors with a modern twist
Enzo's on the LakeCoda del PesceDelights patrons with a focus on Italian seafood offerings
Café Tu Tu TangoFleet LandingBoth bring vibrant energy with a diverse menu and unique setting

When transitioning from Orlando to Charleston, you're likely to find comfort in the wide array of dining experiences available. For instance, if you loved the craft beer and inventive cuisine at The Ravenous Pig, you'll appreciate the culinary creativity and beer selection at Edmund's Oast in Charleston. Similarly, barbecue enthusiasts will find solace at Lewis Barbecue, which mirrors the high-quality smoked meats you savored at 4 Rivers Smokehouse. And for those cherished breakfasts or brunches, Callie's Hot Little Biscuit offers the kind of Southern comfort akin to Se7en Bites. These restaurants not only provide delicious food but also capture the spirit and hospitality that can help you feel at home in a new city.

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Orlando vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how Orlando and Charleston compare when considering factors like cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Reviewing these elements helps you make informed decisions about your relocation.

Orlando
Charleston
Typical Architecture Style
Contemporary and Mediterranean
Colonial and Antebellum
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Pools, patios, proximity to Orlando's Attractions
Historic charm, extended porches, proximity to Charleston's Historic District

When comparing Orlando and Charleston, one major difference is the style of architecture you'll encounter. In Orlando, contemporary and Mediterranean styles dominate the market, contrasting sharply with Charleston's colonial and antebellum influences. While Orlando's proximity to attractions often translates into listings highlighting pools and patios for relaxation, Charleston boasts homes with historic charm and extended porches. Additionally, while neither city is renowned for walkability or bikeability, Orlando does offer slightly more in these aspects, which can be appealing if you prefer getting around on foot or bike.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC

1. Mount Pleasant : You’ll love the abundance of parks and walking trails, perfect for enjoying quality time with your pet in a serene coastal environment.

2. West Ashley : Your furry friend will enjoy the spacious yards and proximity to numerous pet-friendly parks and open spaces.

3. North Charleston : You and your pets will appreciate the variety of pet-friendly apartments and the community's ongoing efforts to create welcoming environments for animals.

Orlando vs. Charleston Weather Considerations

When relocating from Orlando, FL to Charleston, SC , understanding the differences in weather is crucial. Familiarizing yourself with the climate variations will help you prepare for the new environment and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. This comparison provides key insights to anticipate the changes and better plan your move.

Orlando
Charleston
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Thunderstorms
Hurricanes, Flooding
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

92/76
89/74
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

72/52
59/39


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

52.1
51.3
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0.4


While both Orlando and Charleston experience high humidity levels, you'll find that Charleston's winters are significantly cooler. This means you may need to update your wardrobe for the chillier conditions. Moreover, both cities face potential hurricane threats, but Charleston also has flooding risks due to its coastal geography. When it comes to seasonal allergies, while both cities deal with pollen, residents in Charleston often contend with allergies from grass as well.

Ready to start your move?

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

If you're considering a move, understanding the financial landscape between Orlando, FL and Charleston, SC is crucial. Comparing key economic factors helps you prepare for changes in your financial commitments and lifestyle.

Orlando
Charleston
Avg. Household Income
$54,167
$74,139
Cost of Living Index
97.8
98.3
State Income Tax
0%
0%
Avg. Property Tax
0.83%
0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax
6.5%
9%
Top 3 Industries
Tourism, Technology, Healthcare
Aerospace, Tourism, Healthcare
Affluence
Moderate
Higher
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
Visible
Less Visible

When considering a move from Orlando to Charleston, it's important to note the higher average household income in Charleston, which could contribute to a more comfortable lifestyle despite a higher cost of living index compared to Orlando. The two cities share a lack of state income tax, providing some financial relief. Charleston's property tax rate is notably lower, which might appeal to prospective homeowners. Additionally, with different top industries, your career prospects may vary, providing potential for new opportunities.

Orlando vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison

This brief comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in the areas you're considering. Compare the politics between Orlando & Charleston to get a better idea of your new community.

Orlando
Charleston
Political Make-up
Mixed with a slight liberal leaning
Conservative majority
Local Politics
Democratic leadership
Republican leadership
Religion
Diverse religious landscape
Predominantly Christian

Moving from Orlando to Charleston, you'll notice a shift in the political landscape. Orlando tends to have a liberal leaning with Democratic leadership, while Charleston has a more conservative environment with Republican leadership, affecting local policies and governance. The religious environment also shifts somewhat; Orlando boasts a diverse religious landscape, which caters to a variety of beliefs and practices. In contrast, Charleston is predominantly Christian, reflected in the prevalence of churches like the historic First Scots Presbyterian Church. This difference in religious composition might impact your lifestyle, community activities, and the cultural events you'll encounter.

Orlando vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This guide aims to help you better understand the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Orlando & Charleston . By examining factors like commute times, congestion, and public transit availability, you can gain insights into what daily transit life might look like in your new city.

Orlando
Charleston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
28
24
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Very Challenging

When transitioning from Orlando to Charleston, you might notice some differences in daily commuting. While Orlando's public transit system, such as the Lynx bus service, offers more options than Charleston's CARTA, both cities still require a car for most efficient transit. The commute times in Charleston are slightly shorter due to less congestion, making driving a bit more straightforward. However, the availability of bike-friendly areas in both cities is growing, offering alternative ways to manage your commute.

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