Top local movers for Charleston to Philadelphia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charleston that also provides long-distance services to Philadelphia can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Charleston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Charleston to Philadelphia.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Philadelphia?
Movers in West Virginia generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,162 – $3,236 | $675 – $1,480 | $370 – $689 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,056 – $5,354 | $1,220 – $2,144 | $414 – $860 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,588 – $7,371 | $1,573 – $2,806 | $516 – $1,045 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Philadelphia
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Philadelphia typically costs between $1,162 and $3,236. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,056 and $5,354 when moving from Charleston to Philadelphia. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Charleston to Philadelphia, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,588 up to $7,371.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Philadelphia
If you’re relocating from Charleston to Philadelphia, you’ll typically spend between $675 and $1,480 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,220 up to $2,144. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,573 and $2,806. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Philadelphia
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Charleston to Philadelphia move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $370 and $689. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $414 to $860. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $516 and $1,045.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Charleston to Philadelphia
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Charleston to Philadelphia might be as low as $1,550, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,695.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Charleston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $370 to $951 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Philadelphia runs about 64% higher for singles and 60% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $6,190 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 3.07% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 94% higher in Philadelphia than in Charleston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 41% higher in Philadelphia than in Charleston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 19% higher in Philadelphia than in Charleston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Philadelphia, as the cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 64% greater than in Charleston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Philadelphia, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 60% more than it is in Charleston.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia exceeds that of Charleston by about 71%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Philadelphia exceed those in Charleston by 14%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 53% lower in Pennsylvania than in West Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charleston and Philadelphia, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Philadelphia
| Charleston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 67 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 3240% greater than Charleston.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 66.09 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 33.91 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Philadelphia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Ready to relocate to Philly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
Now that you’ve made the move to Pennsylvania, it’s the perfect time to explore Philadelphia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include museums and art centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Philadelphia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Philadelphia. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Philadelphia?
With many people choosing to move from Charleston to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia take?
Covering 466 miles, the move from Charleston, WV to Philadelphia, typically takes one to four days. Some Charleston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Philadelphia can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Charleston can handle specialty items for my move to Philadelphia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Charleston, 3 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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