Factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Minneapolistoggle

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Charleston to Minneapolis might cost as little as $1,523, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,434.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Charleston, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $766 to $1,861. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Charleston to Minneapolis

Moving from Charleston to Minneapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Minneapolis is generally more expensive than Charleston, itโ€™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:

Charleston Minneapolis
Average rent cost $875 $1,484
Average home value $153,672 $312,602
Average income (per capita) $59,354 $70,099
Cost of living (single person) $1,549 $3,900
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,862 $4,710
Unemployment rate 6.2% 4.5%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.03%
State income tax 6.5% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in Minneapolis are 70% higher than in Charleston, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Minneapolis are 103.4% higher than in Charleston.
  • Income in Minneapolis is 18.1% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Minneapolis include Aeon, Target, and Medtronic.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Minneapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 151.8% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Minneapolis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Minneapolis is 22.0% higher than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Minneapolis is 27.42% lower than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Minneapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Minneapolis are 29.00% higher than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in Minneapolis are 51.54% higher than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,553.26 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Minneapolis

Minneapolis Charleston
Population 425,115 48,018
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 2
Walkability score 71 33
Bike friendliness score 83 28
Crime Index 56.06 53.94
Safety Index 43.94 46.06
Air Quality Good Good
  • Minneapolis's population is about 785% greater than Charleston.
  • Minneapolis's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
  • Minneapolis is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Charleston's 33 out of 100.
  • With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Minneapolis and Charleston have a similar crime rate.
  • Minneapolis and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Minneapolis is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Minneapolis move

  • Weather: Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Minnesota, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Minnesota doesnโ€™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 Minneapolis 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. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Minneapolis

With your sights set on "City of Lakes", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Minneapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Linden Hills
  • Loring Park
  • Northeast Minneapolis
  • North Loop (Warehouse District)
  • Whittier

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Diamond Lake
  • Fulton
  • Kenny
  • Linden Hills
  • Minnehaha

Things to do in Minneapolis

After settling into your new Minnesota home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Minneapolis has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Minneapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, The Museum of Russian Art, and Foshay Tower.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Twins (MLB), or Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charleston to Minneapolis. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charleston.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charleston to Minneapolis, 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 Charleston to Minneapolis take?

The 902-mile journey from Charleston, WV to Minneapolis, MN typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Charleston offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Minneapolis.

Helpful moving resources