Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston ranges from $344 to $4,966 and the journey will take approximately one to two days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 227-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Pittsburgh guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Pittsburgh to go to Charleston can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
|
Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to WV move
The top local movers servicing Pittsburgh to Charleston moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Pittsburgh that also handles long-distance moves to Charleston. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Pittsburgh who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Pittsburgh to Charleston.
- South Hills Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 00121505
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8922412
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 2461529
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston?
Pittsburgh movers charge $75 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 | $929 - $3,418 | $696 - $1,701 | $332 - $575 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,744 - $4,966 | $1,277 - $2,517 | $344 - $700 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,363 - $6,424 | $1,694 - $2,948 | $439 - $773 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to West Virginia
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to West Virginia typically costs between $929 and $3,418. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,744 and $4,966 when moving from PA to WV. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, you're looking at costs ranging from $2,363 up to $6,424.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to West Virginia
Moving containers from Pennsylvania to West Virginia will cost you $696 to $1,701 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,277 to $2,517. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,694 to $2,948. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to West Virginia
A moving rental truck is generally 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 $332 to $575. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $344 to $700, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Pennsylvania to West Virginia costs around $439 to $773.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Pittsburgh to Charleston move
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Moving from Pittsburgh to Charleston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Pittsburgh than in Charleston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Pittsburgh compares to Charleston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Pittsburgh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $875 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 42% lower than in Pittsburgh, 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 30.9% lower than in Pittsburgh. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Charleston, where incomes are, on average, 9.3% higher than in Pittsburgh. Major employers in Charleston include IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs.
- 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 27.2% lower than in Pittsburgh.
- 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 22.9% less than what it costs in Pittsburgh.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 12.68% lower than in Pittsburgh.
- Sales taxes are the same in Charleston and Pittsburgh.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 111.73% higher than in Pittsburgh.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,182.71 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Charleston
| Charleston | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 303,255 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 55 |
| Crime Index | 53.94 | 37.74 |
| Safety Index | 46.06 | 62.26 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston's population is about 84% less than Pittsburgh.
- Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Pittsburgh's higher score of 8.
- Charleston is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh's 62 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 Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
- Charleston's crime rate is higher than Pittsburgh with a score of 53.94 compared to Pittsburgh's 37.74. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
- Charleston is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 46.06 vs Pittsburgh's 62.26.
- Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Pittsburgh it's good.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in West Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While West Virginia doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charleston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charleston
Now that you'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
Now that you've made the move to West Virginia it's the perfect time to explore Charleston From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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 city's Haddad Riverfront Park, Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve, and Cato Park — among other spots — 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 Pittsburgh to Charleston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Pittsburgh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Charleston take?
Covering 227 miles, the move from Pittsburgh, PA to Charleston, WV typically takes one to two days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charleston can help bridge the gap.
