Factors influencing moving costs from Jacksonville to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville to Charleston can be as low as $1,184 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,454.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Jacksonville, 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 $596 to $1,438. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Jacksonville to Charleston

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

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

Jacksonville Charleston
Average rent cost $1,520 $875
Average home value $287,628 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $64,138 $59,354
Cost of living (single person) $2,696 $1,549
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,605 $3,862
Unemployment rate 4.9% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.0%
State income tax 0.0% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 42% lower than in Jacksonville, 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 46.6% lower than in Jacksonville.
  • Income in Charleston is 7.5% lower than in Jacksonville, 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 42.5% lower than in Jacksonville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 41.5% lower than in Jacksonville.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 26.53% higher than in Jacksonville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charleston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charleston are 6.67% lower than in Jacksonville.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 6.50% higher than in Jacksonville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,723.66 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jacksonville.

How life is different in Jacksonville vs. Charleston

Charleston Jacksonville
Population 48,018 971,319
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 4
Walkability score 33 26
Bike friendliness score 28 41
Crime Index 53.94 56.38
Safety Index 46.06 43.62
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 95% less than Jacksonville.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Jacksonville's higher score of 4.
  • Charleston is more walkable than Jacksonville with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Jacksonville's 26 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 Jacksonville, which has a score of 41 out of 100.
  • Charleston and Jacksonville have a similar crime rate.
  • Charleston and Jacksonville are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Jacksonville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Jacksonville 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Charleston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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 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 Jacksonville to Charleston?

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

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

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

The 646-mile move from Jacksonville, FL, to Charleston, WV, takes one to six days. Some Jacksonville 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