Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Charleston can be as low as $1,186 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,597.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, 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 $389 to $919. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Charleston

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

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

Harrisburg Charleston
Average rent cost $1,200 $875
Average home value $230,038 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $59,354
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $1,549
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $3,862
Unemployment rate 13.4% 6.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 3.07% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 27% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 33.2% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Charleston is 19.0% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 16.2% lower than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Charleston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 6.9% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 53.73% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charleston are 16.67% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 111.73% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,513.25 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Charleston

Charleston Harrisburg
Population 48,018 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 33 68
Bike friendliness score 28 57
Crime Index 53.94 64.18
Safety Index 46.06 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Charleston's population is about 4% less than Harrisburg.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • Charleston has a bike-friendliness score 28 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
  • Charleston's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 53.94 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Charleston is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 46.06 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in West Virginia, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Charleston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg to Charleston take?

The 365-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Charleston, WV, takes one to four days. Some Harrisburg 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