Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Durham movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Durham to Charleston can be as low as $1,014 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 5,884.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $354 to $816. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Charleston

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

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

Durham Charleston
Average rent cost $1,699 $875
Average home value $391,719 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $59,354
Cost of living (single person) $2,803 $1,549
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,945 $3,862
Unemployment rate 4.1% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 49% lower than in Durham, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
    Home prices in Charleston are 60.8% lower than in Durham.
  • Income in Charleston is 85.0% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less 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 44.7% lower than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 35.0% lower than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 51.22% higher than in Durham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charleston are 6.67% lower than in Durham.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 44.44% higher than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,657.87 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Charleston

Charleston Durham
Population 48,018 283,506
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 4
Walkability score 33 30
Bike friendliness score 28 38
Crime Index 53.94 54.72
Safety Index 46.06 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 83% less than Durham.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Durham's higher score of 4.
  • Charleston and Durham are similarily walkable.
  • Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 28 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100.
  • Charleston and Durham have a similar crime rate.
  • Charleston and Durham are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the stateโ€™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 Commissionโ€™s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that theyโ€™re reputable businesses in good standing. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in West Virginia, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • 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 toCharleston Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Charleston

Now that youโ€™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 settling into your new West Virginia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charleston has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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 cityโ€™s Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park โ€” among other sites โ€” 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 Durham to Charleston?

The best time to move from Durham to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Durham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Durham to Charleston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Durham to Charleston take?

The 293-mile move from Durham, NC, to Charleston, WV, takes one to four days. Some Durham movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charleston.

Helpful moving resources