($1,085) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Charleston, WV

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Charleston

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Charleston will cost between $1,085 and $2,850. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to Chicago will range from $1,774 to $4,911, and a large move from Chicago to Charleston will cost from $3,164 to $7,468.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Charleston

If you’re moving from Chicago to Charleston, expect to pay between $667 and $1,556 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,169 up to $2,233. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,478 and $2,924. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Charleston

Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Charleston 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 $372 and $731. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $405 and $816. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $530 up to $984 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to Charleston from Chicago, you’ll find that rent is roughly 57% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 48% less in Charleston than in Chicago.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 17% lower in Charleston compared to Chicago.
• 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 58% lower than in Chicago.
• Choosing to move to Charleston can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 58% less than in Chicago.
• Charleston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 31% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes drop 32% in Charleston compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
• Income taxes are 31% higher in West Virginia than in Illinois, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Charleston’s population is about 98% less than Chicago.
• Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Charleston is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Charleston’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 53.94 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Charleston is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 46.06 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Charleston is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: West Virginia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Charleston. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in West Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Charleston, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.