$810 Movers From Columbus to Charleston

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Columbus, OH to Charleston, WV averages from $228 to $4,521 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Columbus moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Charleston, WV.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Columbus guide.

Moving from Columbus to Charleston resources

Moving 163 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Charleston?

Columbus movers charge $145 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 $810 - $3,174 $571 - $1,376 $200 - $368
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,453 - $4,521 $1,043 - $2,047 $228 - $437
4+ bedrooms $2,010 - $5,681 $1,360 - $2,580 $261 - $501
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 163 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Columbus to Charleston will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbus to Charleston?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Charleston will cost between $810 to $3,174. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,453 to $4,521, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbus to Charleston will cost from $2,010 to $5,681.

How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Charleston?

Moving containers from Columbus to Charleston will cost you $571 to $1,376 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,043 to $2,047. A larger home will cost $1,360 to $2,580.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Charleston?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $200 to $368. A larger move will cost $228 to $437, and a four-bedroom move from Columbus to Charleston costs from $261 to $501. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Columbus to Charleston moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbus to Charleston is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Columbus to Charleston.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbus to Charleston

Cost of living: Columbus vs Charleston

Columbus Charleston
Average rent cost $1,450 $962
Average home value $235,958 $146,899
Average income (per capita) $63,639 $58,251
Cost of Living (single person) $915 $1,866
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,229 $4,269
Unemployment rate 5.7% 6.2%
Sales Tax 7.5% 7.0%
State Income Tax 3.99% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 34% lower than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Charleston are 37.7% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Charleston is 8.5% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 103.9% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 32.2% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 8.77% higher than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Charleston are 6.67% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 62.91% higher than in Columbus.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,118.03 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus compared to Charleston?

Charleston Columbus
Population 48,018 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 5
Walkability score 33 41
Bike friendliness score 28 48
Crime Index 3.0 37.49
Safety Index 46.06 56.58
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 95% less than Columbus.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 5.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • Charleston is less bike-friendly than Columbus with a score of 28 out of 100 vs Columbus's 48.
  • Charleston's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 3.0 compared to Columbus's 37.49. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 46.06 vs Columbus's 56.58.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Considerations for moving to Charleston

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Charleston, while January and February are the least comfortable months..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Columbus movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
MVM Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026
(614) 230-0667
All American Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH, 43204
(614) 224-0077

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbus page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Charleston

These are some of the best things to do in your new West Virginia home.

  • State Capitol
  • West Virginia State Museum
  • Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
  • Capitol Street and Capitol Market
  • West Virginia Veterans Memorial
  • East End Historic District
  • Governor's Mansion
  • Kanawha State Forest
  • Avampato Discovery Museum

Get your sports on!

Charleston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)

FAQs about moving from Columbus to Charleston

When is the best time to move from Columbus to Charleston?

The best time to move from Columbus to Charleston is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 86ºF and the winter lows of 24ºF in Charleston.

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

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

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Learn more about Charleston