($1,136) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Charleston, WV

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Charleston

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Charleston typically costs between $1,136 and $4,118. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,419 and $5,411 when moving from Des Moines to Charleston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Des Moines to Charleston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,783 up to $8,289.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Charleston

If you’re relocating from Des Moines to Charleston, you’ll typically spend between $745 and $1,863 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,382 up to $2,717. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,835 and $3,577. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Charleston

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Des Moines to Charleston 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 $571 and $1,004. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $599 to $1,204. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $750 and $1,445.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Charleston from Des Moines, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 24% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 20% cheaper in Charleston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
• Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Charleston and Des Moines, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
• Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Charleston. The cost of living for a single person is 18% less compared to Des Moines.
• Relocating to Charleston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower than in Des Moines.
• There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Charleston and Des Moines, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
• Sales taxes are effectively the same in Charleston and Des Moines (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
• Income taxes are 48% higher in West Virginia than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

• Charleston’s population is about 93% less than Des Moines.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Charleston is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• Charleston has a bike-friendliness score of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
• Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 53.94 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Charleston is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 46.06 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• 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: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in West Virginia, 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 Charleston 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. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers’ insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• East End
• West Side
• Kanawha City
• City Center

Best neighborhoods for families

• South Hills
• Edgewood
• Kanawha City
• Fort Hill
• Loudon Heights

Things to do in Charleston

Now that you’ve made the move to West Virginia, it’s the perfect time to explore Charleston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art centers like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato 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 Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.