($1,399) Moving from Boston to Charleston

Quick answer: A move from Boston to Charleston costs $660 to $6,770 and takes two-seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 751-mile move yourself.

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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Boston will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charleston to Boston guide.

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The best Boston to Charleston moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Boston to Charleston is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Boston to Charleston.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing

How much does it cost to move from Boston to Charleston?

Boston movers charge $100 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 $1,399 - $4,778 $909 - $2,182 $637 - $1,127
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,494 - $6,770 $1,542 - $3,152 $660 - $1,436
4+ bedrooms $4,290 - $9,354 $2,089 - $4,105 $835 - $1,656
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 751 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Charleston

The cost of Boston 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 Boston to Charleston can be as low as $1,399 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,714.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, 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 $637 to $1,550. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Boston to Charleston?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to Charleston will cost between $1,399 to $4,778. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,494 to $6,770, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Boston to Charleston will cost from $4,290 to $9,354.

How much are moving container companies from Boston to Charleston?

Moving containers from Boston to Charleston will cost you $909 to $2,182 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,542 to $3,152. A larger home will cost $2,089 to $4,105.

How much is a moving truck from Boston to Charleston?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $637 to $1,127. A larger move will cost $660 to $1,436, and a four-bedroom move from Boston to Charleston costs from $835 to $1,656. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Boston to Charleston

Cost of living: Boston vs Charleston

Boston Charleston
Average rent cost $3,474 $962
Average home value $715,851 $146,899
Average income (per capita) $81,744 $58,251
Cost of Living (single person) $1,159 $1,866
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,173 $4,269
Unemployment rate 6.0% 6.2%
Sales Tax 6.25% 7.0%
State Income Tax 9.0% 6.5%
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 72% lower than in Boston.
  • Home prices in Charleston are 79.5% lower than in Boston.
  • Income in Charleston is 28.7% lower than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 61.0% higher than in Boston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 2.3% higher than in Boston.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 3.33% higher than in Boston.
  • Sales taxes in Charleston are 12.00% higher than in Boston.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 27.78% lower than in Boston.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $4,830.03 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How is life different in Boston compared to Charleston?

Charleston Boston
Population 48,018 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 9
Walkability score 33 98
Bike friendliness score 28 86
Crime Index 3.0 26.45
Safety Index 46.06 62.78
Air Quality Good Good
  • Charleston's population is about 93% less than Boston.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Boston's lower score of 9.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Boston with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
  • Charleston is less bike-friendly than Boston with a score of 28 out of 100 vs Boston's 86.
  • Charleston's crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 3.0 compared to Boston's 26.45. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 26.45%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 46.06 vs Boston's 62.78.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Boston it's good.

Considerations for moving to Charleston

  • 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 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. 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.

Local Boston movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Poseidon Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
45 Longwood Ave, Brookline, MA, 5244
(617) 470-9950
Olympia Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
17 Bridge St, Watertown, MA, 02472
(617) 344-9145

Visit our best long distance movers in Boston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Charleston

These are some of the best things to do in your new West Virginia home.

  • State Capitol
  • West Virginia State Museum
  • Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
  • Capitol Street and Capitol Market
  • West Virginia Veterans Memorial
  • East End Historic District
  • Governor's Mansion
  • Kanawha State Forest
  • Avampato Discovery Museum

Get your sports on!

Charleston is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East)

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 751-mile move from Boston, MA, to Charleston, WV, takes two-seven days. Some Boston 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