Best Durham to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Durham to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 295 mile move from North Carolina to South Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 28 Durham to Charleston moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham 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 Durham to Charleston Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Raleigh Moving Company9.429.6ActiveContact
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Capital Moving & Storage9.269.47Authorized For HHGContact
4Smooth Move Charleston9.219.46Authorized For HHGContact
5Ready Set Movers9.169.22Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Durham to Charleston

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 295 miles from Durham, NC to Charleston, SC will cost on average $1,727 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Charleston move is roughly $4,129. 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$1,164300 ft³3.88
1 Bedroom$1,727450 ft³3.84
2 Bedrooms$2,847750 ft³3.80
3 Bedrooms$4,1291100 ft³3.75
4 Bedrooms$5,9371600 ft³3.71
5+ Bedrooms$6,6031800 ft³3.67
*Please note: These North Carolina to South Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & 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 NC to SC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Durham guide.

Compare the 5 Best Durham to Charleston Movers

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

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 954+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 4,516+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,596+ data points

3450 Bush St Suite 245

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Capital Moving & Storage

Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
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.

Durham vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison

Use your familiarity with Durham, NC & Charleston, SC neighborhoods as a guide to navigating a new city. Discover similar vibes and lifestyles through this neighborhood comparison.

DurhamCharlestonHow They're Similar
Trinity ParkSouth of BroadHistoric charm and tree-lined streets
Downtown DurhamFrench QuarterVibrant arts scene and nightlife
West EndJames IslandSuburban feel with parks
Forest HillsHarleston VillageElegant homes and green spaces
Old West DurhamRadcliffeboroughEclectic and bohemian atmosphere
BrightleafAnsonboroughHistoric districts with upscale dining
Duke ParkWagener TerraceFamily-friendly communities
Northgate ParkNorth CentralRecreational parks and local engagement
Watts Hospital-HillandaleWest AshleyCommunity vibe with local amenities
Southeast DurhamJohn's IslandGrowing suburbs

If you're enchanted by the historic allure of Durham's Trinity Park, where century-old homes sit amidst tree-canopied streets, you'll feel right at home in Charleston's South of Broad neighborhood. This area boasts historic properties and picturesque views of the harbor, offering a similar ambiance. For those who thrive in the urban pulse of Downtown Durham, with its eclectic mix of arts venues and bustling nightlife, you'll find the same lively energy in Charleston's French Quarter, where art galleries and vibrant street life abound. Lastly, if you enjoy the suburban setting of West End, with its family-friendly parks like Indian Trail Park, James Island in Charleston provides ample greenspaces like James Island County Park that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

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Things to Do in Charleston

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Charleston

Considering a move from Durham, NC to Charleston, SC involves looking into the good and the bad attributes of each city. The following charts aim for an honest reflection of what you might gain and lose in the process, providing insights tailored for this specific relocation.

CONs
PROs
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Humid summers
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited nightlife
  • Higher property taxes
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Beach access
  • Historic charm
  • Vibrant dining
  • Lower cost of living
Charleston, SC iconCharleston, SC
  • Tourist crowds
  • Hurricane risk
  • High humidity
  • Limited public transit
Durham, NC iconDurham, NC
  • Diverse job market
  • RTP proximity
  • Cultural events
  • Renowned universities

Relocating to Charleston from Durham offers a dynamic shift in lifestyle and environment. In Charleston, you can enjoy new experiences such as a visit to the beautiful beaches like Folly Beach, or savor the unique flavors at Husk restaurant. The historic districts, such as Downtown Charleston, offer sightseeing opportunities and a glimpse into the antebellum era. While Durham’s Ninth Street is central to local culture and community, Charleston’s charm is in the diverse array of art galleries and boat tours. Despite its allure, the city does face challenges like hurricane exposure and crowded tourist seasons. However, the chance to immerse yourself in a city known for its Southern hospitality and historic architecture may be worth these considerations.

Durham vs. Charleston Food Guide

Food is an essential part of local culture and provides insight into life in an area. In this comparison, we'll look at the local cuisine between Durham & Charleston . By examining these two locations, you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.

DurhamCharleston
Most iconic local food itemBBQShrimp and Grits
Most popular meat dishPork BBQShe-Crab Soup
Most popular street food itemHot DogsFried Oysters
Most popular vegan foodVegan BurgersVegan Sweet Potato Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Piedmont
  • JuJu Durham
  • Mateo Bar de Tapas
  • The Ordinary
  • Husk
  • FIG Charleston
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Charleston's food scene is rich with Southern flavors, offering iconic dishes like shrimp and grits, especially in neighborhoods such as the historic French Quarter. Its commitment to seafood specialties like she-crab soup is evident in celebrated restaurants like Husk and FIG Charleston. Charleston also offers a promising vegan scene, with trendy spots serving up innovative dishes like vegan sweet potato stew. On the other hand, Durham boasts a vibrant foodie culture, especially around areas like the American Tobacco District, but Charleston's local seafood options offer a quintessential Lowcountry culinary experience.

Durham vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. This Charleston , SC restaurant comparison will help you find your new favorite eateries by using Durham , NC as a guide.

DurhamCharlestonWhat You'll Love
MateoThe OrdinaryBoth focus on upscale, locally-sourced plates in a convivial setting
Dame's Chicken & WafflesEarly Bird DinerKnown for comfort food and hearty, soulful dishes
Saltbox Seafood JointThe Glass OnionOffers fresh, casual seafood drawing on Southern traditions
ViceroyChai's LocalMerges cultures with a similar blend of global and local flavors
GuglhupfBrown's Court BakeryA staple for lovers of artisan baked goods in a cozy atmosphere
KrillXiao Bao BiscuitOffers a creative twist on Asian cuisine in a hip, modern setting
Foster's MarketCaviar & BananasFeatures gourmet, casual fare with local ingredients
Poole'side PiesSlightly North of BroadCompare innovative takes on classic Southern pizzas
MonutsGlazed Gourmet DoughnutsBoth provide whimsical, inventive takes on beloved breakfast foods
M SushiO-KuKnown for their high-quality sushi with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients

When you yearn for the comfort of Dame's Chicken & Waffles in Durham, you'll find solace in Early Bird Diner in Charleston, with its reputation for nurturing comfort food that warms the soul. Seafood enthusiasts will delight in The Glass Onion, which mirrors the casual seafood charm of Saltbox Seafood Joint by celebrating Southern traditions without breaking the bank. If global fusion peeks your interest, then venturing from Viceroy's intriguing meld of flavors to the Charleston scene will bring you to Chai's Local, where local and global culinary expressions meet in exciting harmony. For those with a sweet tooth, trading Durham's Monuts for Charleston's Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts means embracing inventive delights that make breakfast an affair to remember.

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Durham vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's crucial to understand how Durham and Charleston compare in housing costs and lifestyle attributes before making a relocation decision.

ComparisonDurhamCharleston
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanAntebellum
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to universitiesHistoric charm

As you transition from Durham to Charleston, you'll notice differences in architectural styles and lifestyle. Durham, known for its iconic Craftsman homes, is more affordable with a median home price of $350,000. However, Charleston's historic Antebellum architecture contributes to its higher median home price and rental rates. While Charleston boasts a higher urban lifestyle score, offering vibrant city living, Durham's appeal often lies in its proximity to top universities like Duke University. Both cities offer opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, but Charleston edges ahead with better bikeability and walkability scores, making it ideal for those who enjoy commuting on foot or bike through historic streets.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Charleston, SC

1. North Charleston : With its large number of parks and proximity to the North Charleston Riverfront Park, you'll find plenty of space for daily walks and outdoor adventures with your furry friend.

2. James Island : This neighborhood offers easy access to the James Island County Park, which features a dedicated dog park and trails for exploring nature with your pet.

3. West Ashley : Known for its pet-friendly community vibe, you can enjoy numerous walking trails and amenities at the West Ashley Greenway and nearby parks where pets are warmly welcomed.

Durham vs. Charleston Weather Considerations

If you're moving from one location to another, understanding the weather differences is crucial for a smooth transition. Comparing Durham, NC to Charleston, SC will help set realistic expectations and prepare for changes you'll experience. This guide presents a comprehensive overview to make your move as seamless as possible.

Summer icon
89/67

Durham, NC

90/72

Charleston, SC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
51/31

Durham, NC

59/39

Charleston, SC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
46

Durham, NC

51

Charleston, SC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Durham, NC

0.5

Charleston, SC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDurhamCharleston
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersMinimalHurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Durham to Charleston, you'll notice slightly milder winters. Charleston's winter temperatures average 59°F, offering a warmer climate than Durham's 51°F. However, Charleston's higher humidity levels of 75% can make summers feel more sticky compared to Durham. It's also important to note that Charleston is more prone to hurricanes, so understanding local emergency plans is wise. Both cities enjoy ample sunshine, although Charleston has a slightly higher UV index, so you'll want to stay vigilant about sun protection year-round.

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

If you're considering a move from Durham, NC to Charleston, SC, it's vital to understand how the cost of living and other financial aspects in Durham compare with Charleston . This comparison will help you make informed decisions for a smooth transition and effective financial planning.

ComparisonDurhamCharleston
Avg. Household Income$71,343$74,139
Cost of Living Index96.698.3
State Income Tax5.250
Avg. Property Tax0.860.51
Avg. Sales Tax7.509.00
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health, TechnologyTourism, Health, Education
AffluenceModerateGrowing
PovertyConcernsElevated
HomelessnessStableIncreasing

While both cities offer vibrant cultural experiences, you'll find that the financial landscape varies significantly. Charleston's lack of state income tax could be a financial advantage, yet the cost of living is notably higher than in Durham. Property taxes in Charleston are lower, which may appeal if you plan to buy a home. However, differing levels of poverty and homelessness might influence your perception of community support and services. Understanding the top industries can also guide your career choices, with Charleston's thriving tourism sector providing unique opportunities versus Durham's technology-driven market.

Durham vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, specifically to understand the difference in politics between Durham & Charleston .

DurhamCharleston
Political Make-upLiberal-leaningModerate/Conservative
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesTraditional policies
ReligionDiverse religious communitiesPredominantly Christian

When moving from Durham to Charleston, you might notice a shift in political atmosphere. Durham, known for its liberal-leaning ideals, often embraces progressive policies, while Charleston tends to hold more traditional values. This is reflected in the local governance and public policies you’ll encounter in each city. Religion also plays a role in shaping community life in both cities. In Charleston, attendance at churches like [The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist](https://www.charlestoncathedral.com/) is common given the city's predominantly Christian demographic, whereas Durham offers a more varied religious landscape.

Durham vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to navigating traffic and transportation. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham and Charleston aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in each city.

ComparisonDurhamCharleston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2523
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?PossiblyLess Likely

When considering a move from Durham to Charleston, it's important to note the differences in public transit availability. Durham tends to offer a more robust transit system, with options like the GoTriangle buses making it easier to get around without a car. In contrast, Charleston's historic streets and the charm of places like King Street often mean more reliance on personal vehicles. While both cities experience similar average commute times, Charleston can see slightly higher congestion during peak tourist seasons, affecting everyday travel. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more smoothly to life in Charleston.

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