Quick answer: For a 264-mile move from Charlotte to Charleston, expect to spend around $370–$5,470 and one to four days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Charlotte guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Charlotte to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Charlotte to Charleston can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to WV move
The best local movers servicing Charlotte to Charleston moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Charlotte that offers long-distance services to Charleston can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Charlotte who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Charlotte to Charleston.
- You Move Me: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Hilldrup: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TBC Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2572
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2406
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Co. (NC), LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2210
Years in Business: 121
DOT #: 22302
Alternate Names: Hilldrup Companies, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2975
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2585931
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2774
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E. E. Ward Moving & Storage Co., EE Ward Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Charlotte to Charleston?
Charlotte movers charge $80 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 | $991 - $3,588 | $702 - $1,833 | $381 - $668 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,888 - $5,470 | $1,288 - $2,615 | $370 - $799 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,476 - $7,135 | $1,698 - $3,240 | $463 - $941 |
Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to West Virginia
Planning a move from North Carolina to West Virginia? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $991 and $3,588. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,888 and $5,470 for the same journey (NC to WV). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,476 to $7,135.
Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to West Virginia
When you're heading from North Carolina to West Virginia, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $702 and $1,833. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,288 and $2,615. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,698 to $3,240. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to West Virginia
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $381 and $668. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $370 and $799. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $463 and $941.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Charlotte to Charleston move
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Charleston
Moving from Charlotte to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charlotte than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charlotte compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charlotte | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,790 | $875 |
Average home value | $391,658 | $153,672 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $59,354 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,158 | $1,549 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,325 | $3,862 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 51% lower than in Charlotte, 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 60.8% lower than in Charlotte. - Income in Charleston is 8.4% lower than in Charlotte, 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 50.9% lower than in Charlotte.
- 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 53.6% less than what it costs in Charlotte.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 87.88% higher than in Charlotte.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city's sales taxes in Charleston are 3.45% lower than in Charlotte.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 44.44% higher than in Charlotte.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,471.50 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Charleston
Charleston | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 874,579 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 5 |
Walkability score | 33 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 31 |
Crime Index | 53.94 | 46.52 |
Safety Index | 46.06 | 53.48 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston's population is about 95% less than Charlotte.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Charlotte's higher score of 5.
- Charleston is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
- Both Charleston and Charlotte have the same bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Charlotte. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Charleston's crime rate is higher than Charlotte with a score of 53.94 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 46.06 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a West Virginia moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Charleston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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.
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 settling into your new West Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charlotte to Charleston You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charlotte.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from Charlotte to Charleston 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 Charlotte to Charleston take?
The 264-mile journey from Charlotte, NC to Charleston, WV, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Charlotte offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.