Best Los Angeles to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Los Angeles to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,364 mile move from California to West Virginia go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 Los Angeles to Charleston moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Best California Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Los Angeles compared to Charleston. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Los Angeles to Charleston Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
2Moving Pro, Inc.9.459.01Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Prodigy Moving & Storage9.419.24Authorized For HHGContact
4Ready Set Movers9.169.22Authorized For HHGContact
5Central Van Lines8.168.11Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Los Angeles to Charleston

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,364 miles from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, WV will cost on average $3,792 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Los Angeles to Charleston move is roughly $9,158. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,543300 ft³8.48
1 Bedroom$3,792450 ft³8.43
2 Bedrooms$6,282750 ft³8.38
3 Bedrooms$9,1581100 ft³8.33
4 Bedrooms$13,2411600 ft³8.28
5+ Bedrooms$14,8061800 ft³8.23
*Please note: These California to West Virginia moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & West Virginia. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to WV mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Los Angeles guide.

Compare the 5 Best Los Angeles to Charleston Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Moving Pro, Inc. Logo

Moving Pro, Inc.

Exceptional9.45/10
based on 1,438+ data points

557 Vernon Ave

Venice, CA, 90291

About Moving Pro, Inc.

Moving Pro, Inc. takes a transparent, customized, and personal approach to moving that puts its clients first. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Car Transportation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1864442 / 675888

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved26,800 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Prodigy Moving & Storage Logo

Prodigy Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.41/10
based on 12,245+ data points

601 S Figueroa St

Los Angeles, CA, 90017

About Prodigy Moving & Storage

Serving the greater Los Angeles area and California, Prodigy Moving & Storage has moved residences and offices since 2003. As a...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3983945 / 1492541 MC-430697

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Ready Set Movers Logo

Ready Set Movers

Exceptional9.16/10
based on 902+ data points

454 Deanna Ln

Charleston, SC, 29492

About Ready Set Movers

As a locally owned and operated moving company, Ready Set Movers provides relocation services for both local and long-distance moves. Since...

Services

  • Local and interstate moves
  • Full-service moving
  • Accurate and detailed estimates

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2150739 / 756179

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Central Van Lines Logo

Central Van Lines

Very Good8.16/10
based on 347+ data points

37 Jacobson Dr

Poca, WV, 25159

About Central Van Lines

Whether you’re moving across the street or across the globe, Central Van Lines knows how to get your belongings safely where...

Services

  • Local and long-distance moving services
  • Residential moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/16/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1243887 / 11266

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans44
Registered Drivers35
Total Annual Miles Moved487,000 (2019)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Los Angeles vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating, understanding a new city can be overwhelming. This guide aims to ease your transition by comparing neighborhoods between Los Angeles, CA & Charleston, WV , using your current surroundings as a reference point.

Los AngelesCharlestonHow They're Similar
Silver LakeEast EndTrendy, artsy vibe
Santa MonicaKanawha CityScenic riverside views
VeniceDowntown CharlestonCultural hub
Beverly HillsSouth HillsUpscale residences
HollywoodThe FlatsVibrant entertainment scene
Echo ParkEdgewoodEclectic community spirit
Downtown LACharleston's West SideBusiness district
BrentwoodFort HillQuiet, family-friendly
WestwoodUniversity HeightsAcademic atmosphere
PasadenaSouth HillsHistorical architecture

If you're drawn to the vibrant energy and artistic flair of Los Angeles's Silver Lake, you'll find a kindred spirit in Charleston's East End, bustling with local art and creative venues. Those who cherish the stunning beach views and open spaces of Santa Monica might enjoy Kanawha City, where the Kanawha River offers scenic walkways and beautiful waterfront locales. For fans of Beverly Hills' lush, luxurious neighborhoods, the manicured lawns and stylish homes of South Hills provide a similar touch of elegance and exclusivity. Downtown Charleston's cultural attractions mirror the eclectic feel of Venice, with opportunities to explore local shops and enjoy community events. Dive into Charleston's historic and natural wonders for an enriching experience rooted in both nostalgia and new discoveries.

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Things to Do in Charleston

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Los Angeles to Charleston

When contemplating a move from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, WV , it's crucial to have an unbiased perspective to weigh the advantages and drawbacks. These charts provide a honest reflection to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Pollution
  • Overcrowded
Charleston, WV iconCharleston, WV
  • Affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Cleaner air
  • Small-town charm
Charleston, WV iconCharleston, WV
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited entertainment
  • Fewer restaurant options
  • Less cultural diversity
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Thriving job market
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Ample cultural events

As you transition from Los Angeles to Charleston, you'll discover a stark contrast in local experiences. Charleston's neighborhood parks, such as Kanawha State Forest, offer a serene escape, diverging from the bustling atmosphere of LA's iconic Griffith Park. Dining in Charleston introduces you to the cozy charm of local staples like Bluegrass Kitchen, providing a different, yet welcoming, culinary experience compared to the extensive variety found in LA's Grand Central Market. While the job prospects in Charleston might seem limited, the benefits of affordable living and less commuting stress can offer you a refreshed perspective on work-life balance.

Los Angeles vs. Charleston Food Guide

Food is an important part of local culture and shapes what it's like to live in an area. In this comparison of the local cuisine between Los Angeles & Charleston , you'll learn about the food scene in each place, preparing you for your move to Charleston, WV.

Los AngelesCharleston
Most iconic local food itemTacosHot Dogs
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQBarbecued Ribs
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks TacosPeppersoni Rolls
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlsGrilled Vegetables with Polenta
Top 3 iconic restaurants
  • The Block
  • Bluegrass Kitchen
  • Bricks & Barrels
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Charleston has a distinct food culture that you will come to appreciate. While Los Angeles is a prominent center for food trucks, you'll find Charleston's own selection in neighborhoods such as East End and near the Capitol Market. At The Block, you can enjoy barbecued ribs, a local favorite. For healthier options, Bluegrass Kitchen in Elk City brings a progressive approach to Southern cuisine with vegan offerings like grilled vegetables with polenta. Exploring these locales will help you tap into the unique flavor layers Charleston has to offer.

Los Angeles vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison

As you transition from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, WV, discovering local restaurants is key to making each city feel like home . This comparison will guide you to your new favorite eateries by drawing parallels between Los Angeles culinary hotspots and their closest counterparts in Charleston .

Los AngelesCharlestonWhat You'll Love
GuelaguetzaLa CarretaOffers authentic Oaxacan cuisine in a cozy setting
ProvidenceBridge Road BistroKnown for fine dining with a locally-driven menu
In-N-Out BurgerSkyline Drive-InA local go-to for classic, crave-worthy burgers
Grand Central MarketCapitol MarketA vibrant locale for diverse, fresh food offerings
RépubliqueAlice's RestaurantCombines chic interiors with creative dishes
Salt's CureThe Chop HouseSpecializes in high-quality, well-prepared meats
SugarfishSushi GardenDelivers fresh sushi in an intimate atmosphere
The Bazaar by José AndrésSouth Hills Market & CaféCelebrated for innovative, modern American fare
Pink's Hot DogsHot Dog HutServes up creatively topped franks beloved by locals
Joan's on ThirdSarah's BakeryOffers charming light bites and artisanal baked goods

When it comes to high-end dining, Providence in Los Angeles captures the essence of fine dining through its sophisticated presentations and high-quality ingredients, much like Bridge Road Bistro in Charleston. If you're craving burgers, the iconic In-N-Out experience can find a local echo at Skyline Drive-In, where the focus on premium ingredients and straightforward deliciousness is shared. For sushi enthusiasts, the artful precision of Sugarfish in Los Angeles can be experienced at Sushi Garden through its commitment to serving the freshest fish in a serene environment. These Charleston locales offer a familiar sense of quality, creativity, and comfort, ensuring your culinary explorations remain as rich as ever.

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Los Angeles vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts

Relocating often brings a significant shift in living conditions, especially concerning housing options. Understanding how Los Angeles and Charleston compare gives you insight into architectural styles, pricing, and overall livability, empowering you to make an informed decision.

ComparisonLos AngelesCharleston
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish ColonialColonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingRooftop Terraces, Open Floor PlansFront Porches, Fireplaces

When you move from Los Angeles to Charleston, you'll notice a sharp contrast in housing costs with Los Angeles's median home price being six times higher than in Charleston. While the West Coast offers a bustling, highly walkable environment with its vibrant urban lifestyle, Charleston provides a more relaxed pace, ideal for those seeking a quieter neighborhood atmosphere. Los Angeles living often includes trendy Spanish Colonial homes with rooftop terraces, while Charleston showcases its rich history through Colonial Revival architecture, featuring quaint front porches and fireplaces. Such differences highlight the diverse experiences these cities offer, helping you determine which environment suits your lifestyle preferences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Charleston, WV

1. South Hills: This neighborhood offers plenty of green spaces and parks like South Hills Park for your pets to enjoy and explore.

2. Kanawha City: Known for its friendly community and pet-friendly businesses such as the Pet Valu store, making it easy for you to find everything your pet needs.

3. East End: With amenities like the Kanawha County Public Library offering pet-friendly events, it's a vibrant area where both you and your pet can feel at home.

Los Angeles vs. Charleston Weather Considerations

If you're moving from Los Angeles to Charleston or vice versa, understanding how the weather compares will help you prepare for your new environment. Weather influences daily life, so knowing what to expect in terms of temperature, sunshine, and other factors can help you adjust your lifestyle accordingly.

Summer icon
84/65

Los Angeles, CA

85/64

Charleston, WV

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68/48

Los Angeles, CA

44/26

Charleston, WV

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15

Los Angeles, CA

45

Charleston, WV

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Los Angeles, CA

36

Charleston, WV

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonLos AngelesCharleston
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresFloods, Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Los Angeles to Charleston involves adjusting to a different climate. In Los Angeles, mild winters mean you rarely deal with snow, but in Charleston, be ready for potentially over 30 inches of snowfall annually. Charleston has fewer sunny days, which might impact outdoor activities common in Los Angeles. Additionally, while both cities experience high humidity, Charleston's is slightly higher, adding a different dimension to the summer heat. You'll also find healthier air quality in Charleston, which might benefit those sensitive to pollution.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Los Angeles to Charleston

If you're moving from one location to another, it's important to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This chart offers insights into various money and finance topics you might encounter if you are relocating from Los Angeles, CA to Charleston, WV . Our goal is to help you make financially informed decisions.

ComparisonLos AngelesCharleston
Avg. Household Income$70,372
Cost of Living Index136.492.7
State Income Tax13.3%6.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.75%0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax9.5%6%
Top 3 IndustriesEntertainment, Technology, TradeEnergy, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessHighLow

When moving from Los Angeles to Charleston, one of the most notable differences you'll encounter is the cost of living. Charleston offers a more affordable lifestyle with a significantly lower cost of living index compared to Los Angeles. Lower tax rates in West Virginia can also provide you with additional disposable income. If you're accustomed to the bustling entertainment and tech industries in Los Angeles, be prepared for a shift, as energy, healthcare, and education dominate Charleston's economic landscape. This change could open up new opportunities and offer a different pace of life, but it also might mean needing to adjust career ambitions or areas of employment focus.

Los Angeles vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison

The following comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents as you consider moving. Understanding the politics between Los Angeles & Charleston helps to gauge community environments and cultural dynamics.

Los AngelesCharleston
Political Make-upLiberalConservative
Local PoliticsLos Angeles City GovernmentCharleston City Government
ReligionDiversePredominantly Christian

When moving from Los Angeles to Charleston, you will notice a shift in political dynamics. Los Angeles, with its predominantly liberal populace, contrasts with Charleston's more conservative community. This shift could influence local policymaking and community activities. Additionally, religious practices and events may differ, with Charleston housing a primarily Christian demographic, compared to the diverse religious landscape of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

To better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, this section provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Los Angeles & Charleston . Discover how your commuting experience may change as you transition from the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles to the charming city of Charleston.

ComparisonLos AngelesCharleston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)4520
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?NoYes

When moving from Los Angeles to Charleston, you'll find a significant change in your commuting experience. Los Angeles, with its notorious traffic congestion, generally requires at least 45 minutes for a commute, often longer during peak hours. Charleston, however, offers a much more relaxed atmosphere with significantly less congestion and a shorter average commute of just 20 minutes. Public transit systems play a more pivotal role in Los Angeles, with relatively higher availability compared to Charleston, where most residents find that having a car is convenient but not entirely necessary. Embracing the slower pace in Charleston can also mean a more leisurely drive to work, or even the option to explore places like the charming [East End Historic District](https://www.eastendcharleston.com) without the usual Los Angeles traffic delays.

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