Best overall value
Local moving companies in McAllen
- Bellhop Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Crew arrived unprepared
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Quick moving process
- Careful handling
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Affordable rates
- Unfriendly or rude staff
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Knowledgeable staff
- Unfriendly or rude staff
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Factors that influence moving costs from McAllen to Charleston
What to know before moving from McAllen to Charleston
Moving from McAllen to Charleston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Charleston is generally more expensive than McAllen, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| McAllen | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $875 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $153,672 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $59,354 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,457 | $1,549 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,557 | $3,862 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 35% lower than in McAllen, 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 30.5% lower than in McAllen. - You’re likely to make a higher income living in Charleston, where incomes are, on average, 3.3% higher than in McAllen. Major employers in Charleston include IOGAWV President, Kanawha County Board Of Education, and CDSscrubs.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charleston, since the cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 6.3% higher than in McAllen. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you'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 8.6% higher than in McAllen.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 21.52% lower than in McAllen.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the city's sales taxes in Charleston are 15.15% lower than in McAllen.
- State income taxes in Charleston are 6.50% higher than in McAllen.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,189.43 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in McAllen.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Charleston
| Charleston | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 142,210 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 46 |
| Crime Index | 53.94 | 36.26 |
| Safety Index | 46.06 | 63.74 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Charleston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 66% less than McAllen.
- Getting around Charleston without a car might be more difficult than in McAllen. Charleston has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas McAllen is ranked 3. 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 McAllen. Based on its score of 33 out of 100, Charleston isn't as walkable as McAllen, which has a score of 41 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 McAllen. While McAllen has a bike-friendliness score of 46 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 McAllen, 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 36.26 in McAllen. 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 McAllen, whose index is 63.74. 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 McAllen. Charleston has Good air quality, compared to moderate in McAllen. 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 McAllen 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 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
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 McAllen to Charleston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from McAllen to Charleston You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Charleston?
Because spring and fall moves from McAllen to Charleston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from McAllen to Charleston take?
The 1,511-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Charleston, WV, typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in McAllen offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Charleston.
