Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,679–$9,082 for a move from Los Angeles to Charleston, with most moves taking seven to 18 days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,328 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Los Angeles guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Los Angeles to Charleston
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Los Angeles to Charleston isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WV move
Local moving companies in Los Angeles
- Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Seka Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Prof Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191020
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2365576
Alternate Names: Move Central Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191695
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3052150
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Charleston?
Los Angeles movers charge $100 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 | $1,557 - $6,274 | $1,534 - $4,081 | $1,600 - $3,283 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,667 - $9,082 | $2,643 - $5,996 | $1,679 - $3,569 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,515 - $14,767 | $3,824 - $7,975 | $2,254 - $4,376 |
Cost to hire movers from California to West Virginia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to West Virginia, you can expect to spend between $1,557 and $6,274. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,667 to $9,082 on the same route (CA to WV). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to West Virginia typically runs between $8,515 and $14,767.
Cost of moving containers from California to West Virginia
If you’re relocating from California to West Virginia, you’ll typically spend between $1,534 and $4,081 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,643 up to $5,996. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,824 and $7,975. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to West Virginia
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,600 and $3,283. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,679 and $3,569. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,254 up to $4,376 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Charleston
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Charleston
Moving from Los Angeles to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $875 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 70% lower than in Los Angeles, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
Home prices in Charleston are 93.5% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Charleston is 20.9% lower than in Los Angeles, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston — including IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Charleston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 60.5% lower than in Los Angeles.
- A move to Charleston can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 58.1% less than what it costs in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 41.51% lower than in Los Angeles.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city's sales taxes in Charleston are 26.32% lower than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 51.13% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,184.85 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Charleston
| Charleston | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 3,820,914 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 59 |
| Crime Index | 53.94 | 53.81 |
| Safety Index | 46.06 | 46.19 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 99% less than Los Angeles.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in Los Angeles. Charleston has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Los Angeles is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Charleston neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Los Angeles. Based on its score of 33 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as Los Angeles, which has a score of 69 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Charleston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Los Angeles. While Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, Charleston earned a 28. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Charleston as Los Angeles. 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.
- Charleston is generally as safe as Los Angeles, 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.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Charleston has better air quality than in Los Angeles. Charleston has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Los Angeles. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Charleston move
- Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
- 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in West Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While West Virginia 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 Charleston 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. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you've chosen Charlie West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Charleston to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new West Virginia home, it's time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Avampato Discovery Museum, and The Art Emporium.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato 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 Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Charleston?
The best time to move from Los Angeles to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Charleston?
With many people choosing to move from Los Angeles to Charleston 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 Los Angeles to Charleston take?
The 2,328-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Charleston, WV, takes seven to 18 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.
