Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Charlestontoggle

The cost of Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Charleston can be as low as $1,379 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,957.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, 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 $460 to $1,116. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Grand Rapids to Charleston

Grand Rapids Charleston
Average rent cost $1,659 $875
Average home value $328,256 $153,672
Average income (per capita) $63,299 $59,354
Cost of living (single person) $3,433 $1,549
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,960 $3,862
Unemployment rate 4.3% 6.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.25% 6.5%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Charleston are 47% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Home prices in Charleston are 53.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Charleston is 6.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 54.9% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charleston is 2.5% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Charleston is 44.19% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Sales taxes in Charleston are 16.67% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Charleston are 52.94% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,353.63 in Charleston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How life is different in Grand Rapids vs. Charleston

Charleston Grand Rapids
Population 48,018 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 33 56
Bike friendliness score 28 52
Crime Index 53.94 44.23
Safety Index 46.06 55.77
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Charleston's population is about 76% less than Grand Rapids.
  • Charleston's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's lower score of 6.
  • Charleston is less walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 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 Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Charleston's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 53.94 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Charleston is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 46.06 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Charleston is good, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Other things to consider for your Grand Rapids 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 singlestoggle

  • Downtown
  • East End
  • West Side
  • Kanawha City
  • City Center

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • South Hills
  • Edgewood
  • Kanawha City
  • Fort Hill
  • Loudon Heights

Things to do in Charlestontoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Charleston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 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 Charleston Golden Eagles (Mountain East) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Charleston?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Charleston?

Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Charleston take?

The 480-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Charleston, WV, takes one to four days. Some Grand Rapids 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

Grand Rapids moving services

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