Best overall value
Local moving companies in Charleston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.9 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving, Bellhops, Inc., Bellhops
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Professional and polite staff
- Highly recommended
- Unexpected charges
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
- Damage to home
- Misplaced or lost items
- Higher-than-expected costs
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Affordable rates
- Good communication
- Misplaced or lost items
- Damage to items
- Unreliable timing
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charleston to Los Angeles move
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Los Angeles might cost as little as $1,570, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $13,762.
- Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charleston, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,567 to $4,078 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Los Angeles
Moving from Charleston to Los Angeles comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Los Angeles is generally more expensive than Charleston, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $875 | $2,960 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,549 | $3,922 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,862 | $9,213 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Los Angeles, since prices are typically 238% higher than in Charleston.
- The home prices in Los Angeles are 1,441.0% higher than in Charleston, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Los Angeles, where incomes are, on average, 26.3% higher than in Charleston. Major employers in Los Angeles include County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and City of Los Angeles (including DWP).
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Los Angeles, since the cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 153.2% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Los Angeles, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Los Angeles is 138.6% higher than in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 70.97% higher than in Charleston.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Los Angeles, since its sales taxes are 35.71% higher than what you are paying in Charleston.
- State income taxes in Los Angeles are 104.62% higher than in Charleston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,595.87 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Los Angeles
| Los Angeles | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 48,018 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 28 |
| Crime Index | 53.81 | 53.94 |
| Safety Index | 46.19 | 46.06 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Los Angeles is about 7,857% greater than Charleston, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Los Angeles offers better access to buses and trains than Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. Los Angeles has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 2 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Los Angeles means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. Los Angeles is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 69 out of 100 versus 33 out of 100 in Charleston. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Los Angeles is considered more bike-friendly than Charleston in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, while Charleston is rated as 28 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Los Angeles as Charleston. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Los Angeles is generally as safe as Charleston, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Los Angeles isn't as good as it is in Charleston, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Los Angeles has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Charleston is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Los Angeles move
- Weather: The temperature in Los Angeles is known to be very comfortable. Los Angeles is subject to a phenomenon typical of a microclimate, causing variations in temperature. So be sure to check your weather report before your move.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Los Angeles without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Los Angeles
Now that you've decided to make the move to City of Angels, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Los Angeles is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, Battleship USS Iowa Museum, and The Broad.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Los Angeles FC (MLS), or Los Angeles Kings (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
The best time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Los Angeles?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Los Angeles in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Charleston to Los Angeles take?
The 2,328-mile move from Charleston, WV, to Los Angeles, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Charleston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Los Angeles.
