Factors influencing moving costs from Winston-Salem to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to Charleston can be as low as $904 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 5,240.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Winston-Salem, 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 $278 to $650. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Charleston

Moving from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Winston-Salem compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Winston-Salem Charleston
Average rent cost $1,300 $875
Average home value $248,806 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $62,431 $59,354
Cost of living (single person) $2,420 $1,549
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,265 $3,862
Unemployment rate 5.2% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 33% lower than in Winston-Salem, 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 38.2% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • Income in Charleston is 4.9% lower than in Winston-Salem, 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 36.0% lower than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 26.6% lower than in Winston-Salem.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 19.23% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Charleston and Winston-Salem.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 44.44% higher than in Winston-Salem.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,920.25 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.

How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Charleston

Charleston Winston-Salem
Population 48,018 249,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 3
Walkability score 33 22
Bike friendliness score 28 29
Crime Index 53.94 32.67
Safety Index 46.06 67.33
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 81% less than Winston-Salem.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Winston-Salem's higher score of 3.
  • Charleston is more walkable than Winston-Salem with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Winston-Salem's 22 out of 100.
  • Both Charleston and Winston-Salem have the same bike-friendliness score of 29 out of 100, meaning Charleston is about as safe for cyclists as Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem with a score of 53.94 compared to Winston-Salem's 32.67. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Winston-Salem neighborhoods are safer than 32.67%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Winston-Salem with a score of 46.06 vs Winston-Salem's 67.33.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Winston-Salem it's good.

Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem 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 getting comfortable in your new West Virginia home, itโ€™s time to see what Charleston is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Charleston include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Charleston?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to Charleston take?

The 216-mile move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Charleston, WV, takes one to two days. Some Winston-Salem 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