($1,496) Movers From Des Moines, IA to Charleston, WV

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Charleston

Moving from Des Moines to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Des Moines than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Des Moines compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Charleston are 24% lower than in Des Moines, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
  Home prices in Charleston are 20.1% lower than in Des Moines.
• Income in Charleston is 1.5% higher than in Des Moines, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Charleston include IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs.
• The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 18.1% lower than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 11.8% lower than in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Charleston is 5.08% higher than in Des Moines.
• Sales taxes are the same in Charleston and Des Moines.
• State income taxes in Charleston are 47.73% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,457.43 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Charleston

• Charleston's population is about 93% less than Des Moines.
• Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher 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 28 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
• 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.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: 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 verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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.

Where to live in Charleston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Charlie West", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources