Quick answer: For a 425-mile move from Buffalo to Charleston, expect to spend around $469–$5,066 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 Buffalo guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 5 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Buffalo, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Buffalo mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Buffalo, so you can move forward with confidence.
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental truck
|
Labor only
|
Best professional movers from Buffalo to Charleston
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Buffalo to Charleston, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Buffalo to Charleston without the headaches.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What moving services are available in Buffalo?
How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to WV move
Local moving companies servicing Buffalo to Charleston moves
When planning a move from Buffalo to Charleston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Buffalo who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Buffalo to Charleston.
- Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 40318
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3104397
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 97
DOT #: 77949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 40835
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Bulldog Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 34026
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2256609
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 32014
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1498819
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Buffalo to Charleston?
Buffalo movers charge $200 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 | $1,069 - $2,938 | $770 - $1,813 | $431 - $786 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,812 - $5,066 | $1,326 - $2,421 | $469 - $895 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,122 - $7,397 | $1,725 - $3,162 | $543 - $1,109 |
Cost to hire movers from New York to West Virginia
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York to West Virginia, you can expect to spend between $1,069 and $2,938. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,812 to $5,066 on the same route (NY to WV). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New York to West Virginia typically runs between $3,122 and $7,397.
Cost of moving containers from New York to West Virginia
If you're moving from New York to West Virginia, expect to pay between $770 and $1,813 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,326 up to $2,421. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,725 and $3,162. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to West Virginia
Renting a moving truck 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 $431 and $786. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $469 and $895. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $543 up to $1,109 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Buffalo to Charleston move
What to know before moving from Buffalo to Charleston
For many households, Charleston means lower monthly costs than Buffalo — roughly 40% for singles and 32% for families.
That’s about $1,549 per month for singles and $3,862 for families in Charleston, compared with $2,589 and $5,720 in Buffalo.
See the side-by-side details below:
- Rent prices in Charleston are 27% lower than in Buffalo, 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 28.0% lower than in Buffalo. - Income in Charleston is 6.4% lower than in Buffalo, 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 40.2% lower than in Buffalo.
- 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 32.5% less than what it costs in Buffalo.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 34.74% lower than in Buffalo.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city's sales taxes in Charleston are 20.00% lower than in Buffalo.
- One perk of moving to Charleston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 40.37% lower than in Buffalo.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Buffalo with Charleston.
Buffalo | Charleston | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $251.62 | $128.95 |
Cell phone plan | $46.65 | $45.33 |
Dozen eggs | $3.96 | $3.26 |
Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $2.2 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30 | $15 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85 | $50 |
Gym membership | $33.67 | $31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Buffalo than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Buffalo than in Charleston.
How life is different in Buffalo vs. Charleston
Charleston | Buffalo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 278,349 |
Transportation Score | 2 | 7 |
Walkability score | 33 | 67 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 63 |
Crime Index | 53.94 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 46.06 | 53.55 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 83% less than Buffalo.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in Buffalo. Charleston has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Buffalo is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Charleston neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Buffalo. Based on its score of 33 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as Buffalo, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Charleston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Buffalo. While Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score of 63 out of 100, Charleston earned a 28. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Charleston is higher than in Buffalo, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 53.94 in Charleston, it is 8.0 in Buffalo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Charleston. With a crime index of 46.06, Charleston ranks lower in overall safety than Buffalo, whose index is 53.55. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Charleston has better air quality than in Buffalo. Charleston has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Buffalo. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Buffalo 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 regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in West Virginia, though it'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 to Charleston 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 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 Buffalo to Charleston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Buffalo to Charleston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Buffalo. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Buffalo to Charleston?
Because most people are moving from Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Charleston take?
Moving from Buffalo, NY to Charleston, WV covers 425 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Buffalo movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Buffalo?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Buffalo, 4 movers can manage piano relocations. By comparison, New York has 110 piano movers and 79 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2176 and 1401 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.