Top-rated local movers that handle Charleston to Cincinnati moves
When planning a move from Charleston to Cincinnati, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing five local movers in Charleston who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Charleston to Cincinnati.
- 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 Cincinnati?
Movers in West Virginia charge per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $736 – $2,714 | $528 – $1,238 | $237 – $402 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,330 – $3,915 | $971 – $1,906 | $238 – $460 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,808 – $5,404 | $1,312 – $2,359 | $290 – $553 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Cincinnati
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Cincinnati, you can expect to spend between $736 and $2,714. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,330 to $3,915 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Cincinnati typically runs between $1,808 and $5,404.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Cincinnati
When moving from Charleston to Cincinnati, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $528 and $1,238. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $971 to $1,906. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,312 up to $2,359. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Cincinnati
Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Cincinnati. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $237 and $402. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $238 and $460. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $290 and $553.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Charleston to Cincinnati
The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,056, but larger homes can run up to $4,426.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Charleston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($237–$532) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Charleston to Cincinnati
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Cincinnati runs about 59% higher for singles and 66% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $2,467 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $6,418 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,488 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $2,893 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $232,735 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $65,682 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $2,467 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $6,418 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 3.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Cincinnati, note that rent can be roughly 66% more expensive than it is in Charleston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 51% higher in Cincinnati than in Charleston.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 11% higher in Cincinnati compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Cincinnati, since the cost of living for a single person is 59% more than in Charleston. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Cincinnati, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 66% more than it is in Charleston.
- Cincinnati experiences an unemployment rate that is about 21% lower than that of Charleston. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Cincinnati than in Charleston. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Cincinnati can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 46% lower in Ohio compared to West Virginia. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Charleston with Cincinnati:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $56.81 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $3.30 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $30.82 |
- Basic utilities are priced about the same in Charleston and Cincinnati.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
- Gym memberships cost more in Charleston than in Cincinnati.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Cincinnati
| Charleston | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 309,317 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 49 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 36 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 48.47 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 49.53 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Cincinnati’s population is about 544% greater than Charleston.
- Cincinnati’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Cincinnati is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 36 out of 100, Cincinnati 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.
- Cincinnati’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 48.47 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Cincinnati is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 49.53 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Cincinnati is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Cincinnati move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Cincinnati smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Cincinnati
Now that you’ve chosen The Blue Chip City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Business District
- Clifton
- Columbia-Tusculum
- Oakley
- Over-The-Rhine
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hyde Park
- Mount Adams
- Mount Lookout
- Oakley
- Pleasant Ridge
Things to do in Cincinnati
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Cincinnati is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Cincinnati offers cultural landmarks like the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, and Betts House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Cincinnati Reds (MLB)Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)FC Cincinnati (MLS)Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)Florence Y’alls (Frontier League)FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS Next Pro) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Cincinnati?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charleston to Cincinnati are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charleston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Cincinnati?
Because spring and fall moves from Charleston to Cincinnati are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Charleston to Cincinnati take?
A move of 203 miles from Charleston, WV to Cincinnati, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Charleston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Cincinnati is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Charleston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Charleston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across WV, there are 5 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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