The best local movers for 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. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 11 local movers in Pittsburgh who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Pittsburgh to Charleston.
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
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
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 #: 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 #: 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 #: 8923758
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Summit Moving and Storage Inc , All My Sons of Pittsburgh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston?
The average hourly rate for movers in Pennsylvania is $143. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $712 – $2,702 | $555 – $1,291 | $237 – $468 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,297 – $3,886 | $999 – $1,837 | $255 – $517 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,831 – $4,922 | $1,339 – $2,306 | $324 – $592 |
Cost to hire movers from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Charleston will cost between $712 and $2,702. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Pittsburgh will range from $1,297 to $3,886, and a large move from Pittsburgh to Charleston will cost from $1,831 to $4,922.
Cost of moving containers from Pittsburgh to Charleston
If you’re moving from Pittsburgh to Charleston, expect to pay between $555 and $1,291 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $999 up to $1,837. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,339 and $2,306. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Renting a moving truck from Pittsburgh to Charleston 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 $237 and $468. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $255 and $517. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $324 up to $592 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Pittsburgh to Charleston
The cost of Pittsburgh movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,048, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $4,268.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Pittsburgh, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($237–$542) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Charleston
Many movers find Charleston easier on the wallet than Pittsburgh – roughly 27% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,549 for one person in Charleston versus $2,129 in Pittsburgh. For a family of four, it’s $3,862 compared with $5,011.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Pittsburgh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,710 | $933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,917 | $1,800 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,129 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,011 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 6.5% |
- If you’re heading to Charleston from Pittsburgh, you’ll find that rent is roughly 42% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 31% less in Charleston than in Pittsburgh.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 9% higher in Charleston than in Pittsburgh, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- 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% lower than in Pittsburgh.
- Choosing to move to Charleston can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 23% less than in Pittsburgh.
- Charleston enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 13% lower compared to Pittsburgh, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes show little difference between Charleston and Pittsburgh (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
- Income taxes are 112% higher in West Virginia than in Pennsylvania, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Pittsburgh and Charleston:
| Living Expense | Pittsburgh | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.34 | $128.95 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.44 | $45.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.62 | $3.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $2.20 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $31.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Eggs cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Bread is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Pittsburgh than in Charleston.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Charleston
| Pittsburgh | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 48,018 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 28 |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 53.94 |
| Safety index | 62.26 | 46.06 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Charleston’s population is about 84% less than Pittsburgh.
- Charleston’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Pittsburgh’s 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 of 28 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55.
- 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 to Charleston move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: West Virginia doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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: 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in West Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Charleston has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston?
The best time to move from Pittsburgh to Charleston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving 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?
Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Charleston, covers 227 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Pittsburgh movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Charleston.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Pittsburgh?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 8 movers in Pittsburgh advertise piano moving expertise. 6 movers in Pittsburgh provide antique moving services. State totals show 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Pittsburgh moving services
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