Best San Diego to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from San Diego to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,351 mile move from California to West Virginia go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 17 San Diego to Charleston moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock 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 San Diego 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.
Best San Diego to Charleston Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. | 8.94 | 8.13 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Central Van Lines | 8.16 | 8.11 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from San Diego to Charleston
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,351 miles from San Diego, CA to Charleston, WV will cost on average $3,780 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Charleston move is roughly $9,131. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,535 | 300 ft³ | 8.45 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,780 | 450 ft³ | 8.40 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,263 | 750 ft³ | 8.35 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,131 | 1100 ft³ | 8.30 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $13,202 | 1600 ft³ | 8.25 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,762 | 1800 ft³ | 8.20 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to San Diego guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Charleston Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
The Rock Movers
7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306
San Diego, CA, 92111
About The Rock Movers
The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
2020 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA, 92108
About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |
Ready Set Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2150739 / 756179 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2022) |
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
13026 Stowe Dr A
Poway, CA, 92064
About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...
Services
- Long Distance Moving
- International Moving
- Storage Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 877737 / 383831 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 8,778 (2022) |
Central Van Lines
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1243887 / 11266 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 44 |
| Registered Drivers | 35 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 487,000 (2019) |
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.
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.
San Diego vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating to a new city can feel daunting, but our comparison of San Diego, CA & Charleston, WV neighborhoods aims to help you familiarize yourself with Charleston by using San Diego neighborhoods as a baseline.
| San Diego | Charleston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla | South Hills | Coastal vibes, affluent community |
| Gaslamp Quarter | East End | Vibrant nightlife, historical charm |
| Little Italy | Capitol Market District | Culinary scene, cultural festivals |
| North Park | Kanawha City | Trendy boutiques, artisan coffee shops |
| Hillcrest | Edgewood | Progressive, community-focused atmosphere |
| Pacific Beach | Kanawha City | Young and lively neighborhood |
| Ocean Beach | South Hills | Quaint, walkable with independent stores |
| Point Loma | South Ruffner | Scenic views, marinas |
| Encinitas | South Hills | Bohemian, laid-back lifestyle |
| Mission Beach | Charleston's West Side | Water activities, boardwalks |
Charleston offers a variety of unique neighborhoods comparable to those in San Diego. If you're drawn to the luxury and coastal serenity of La Jolla, you'll find South Hills offers a similar atmosphere with its scenic parks like City Park and elegant homes. Those who love the energetic nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter will enjoy East End's diverse bar scene, which includes the lively Empty Glass, while the Capitol Market District mirrors Little Italy with food-centric events and markets. North Park’s array of creative coffee shops can be found in Kanawha City, where spots like Three Fittore Sip bring a similar eclectic feel. Ultimately, Charleston blends charm and distinct cultural pockets that’ll feel both novel and familiar.
Things to Do in Charleston
Explore the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences- Stroll through Capitol Market
- Hike in Kanawha State Forest
- Catch a show at Mountain Stage
- Shop at Charleston Town Center
- Learn at West Virginia State Museum
- Enjoy a meal at Bricks & Barrels
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Charleston
In making the decision to move from San Diego, CA to Charleston, WV, it's crucial to consider an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation. The following charts aim to provide you with a clear view of how life in San Diego, CA compares to Charleston, WV , highlighting distinct differences and similarities to aid in your informed choice.
San Diego, CA- High cost of living
- Busy urban lifestyle
- Traffic congestion
- Drought conditions
Charleston, WV- Lower cost of living
- Relaxed pace
- Less traffic
- Lush landscapes
Charleston, WV- No beaches
- Lesser nightlife
- Colder winters
- Fewer dining choices
San Diego, CA- Beautiful beaches
- Vibrant nightlife
- Mild winter weather
- Diverse dining options
While relocating to Charleston, WV, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the availability of tranquil green spaces such as Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park and Capitol Market that offer leisurely escapes from urban hustle. Although you’ll miss the Pacific beaches, the Kanawha State Forest provides picturesque trails and camping opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. When it comes to culinary experiences, Charleston might not boast the same diversity as San Diego, but local favorites such as Bridge Road Bistro and Black Sheep Burrito & Brews bring unique flavors to the table. These features combined can create a new, grounded chapter in your way of life.
San Diego vs. Charleston Food Guide
Food is an integral part of local culture and greatly influences what it's like to live in an area. To better inform you about your new home, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Charleston . Understanding this can offer insights into the culinary experiences you will encounter, including local favorites and dining cultures.
| San Diego | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Smoked Pulled Pork |
| Most popular street food item | California Burrito | Fried Green Tomatoes |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving from San Diego to Charleston, you'll notice a shift in culinary landscapes. San Diego's bustling food scene, known for its fish tacos and abundance of food trucks, contrasts with Charleston's charming yet more traditional offerings like smoked pulled pork. Explore neighborhoods like West Side, where you can relish Charleston's iconic hot dogs and fried green tomatoes. While San Diego shines with its vegan options and outdoor food adventures, Charleston subtly combines Southern warmth with culinary creativity, offering unique dining experiences at places like Blue Smoke and Black Sheep.
San Diego vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison
Food is essential in making an area feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help you find your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown as a guide. Dive into the culinary scene by comparing the top restaurants in San Diego with their Charleston counterparts.
| San Diego | Charleston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Herb & Wood | Leon's Prime | Known for high-end cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. |
| In-N-Out Burger | Graziano's Pizza & Burgers | Offers affordably delicious, quick-service eats. |
| Juniper & Ivy | 1010 Bridge | Offers innovative dishes with a twist on Southern favorites. |
| Tacos El Gordo | The Grill | Celebrated for its authentic take on Mexican street food. |
| The Mission | Bluegrass Kitchen | Known for its farm-to-table brunch and eclectic breakfast options. |
| Phil's BBQ | Barney's Restaurant | A go-to spot for mouthwatering barbecue. |
| Nine-Ten Restaurant & Bar | The Chop House | An upscale destination offering exquisite dining experiences. |
| Super Cocina | Paterno's at the Park | Highlights vibrant flavors with a touch of local flair. |
| Crack Shack | Cozy Lounge & Restaurant | Offers a playful twist on classic comfort bites. |
| Little Italy Food Hall | Capitol Market | Diverse culinary offerings within a lively locale. |
From the elevated dining of Herb & Wood to Leon's Prime, both cities showcase restaurants prioritizing fresh, high-quality ingredients in exquisite dishes. When a craving for Mexican street food strikes, Tacos El Gordo and Charleston's The Grill satisfy with authenticity and rich flavors. If brunch is your culinary passion, The Mission's innovative approach mirrors what you’ll find at Bluegrass Kitchen, where farm-to-table offerings embrace the local bounty. Whether you are in the mood for upscale dining at Nine-Ten or The Chop House, the elegance and commitment to fine dining shine in both spots. With venues like Little Italy Food Hall and Capitol Market, explore diverse culinary options that capture the essence of each city's vibrant food culture.
Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding housing distinctions between San Diego and Charleston is crucial when relocating. By comparing costs, styles, and lifestyle aspects, you can make an informed decision about your new home.
| Comparison | San Diego | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean views, patios | Fireplaces, porches |
The housing market in San Diego is significantly more expensive than Charleston with median home prices being over five times higher. While San Diego offers a more urban lifestyle with prominent Spanish Colonial architecture, Charleston focuses on the charm of Colonial Revival, characterized by attractive historic houses. If you prefer a more pedestrian-friendly environment, you'll enjoy the higher walkability and bikeability ratings found in San Diego. In Charleston, listings often highlight cozy additions like fireplaces, making it ideal if you’re looking for a home with traditional features.
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.
San Diego vs. Charleston Weather Considerations
When you're planning a move from San Diego to Charleston , understanding the potential weather differences can be crucial for adjusting to your new environment. This comparison will help you prepare for the significant climatic changes you may experience.
San Diego, CA
Charleston, WV
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Charleston, WV
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Charleston, WV
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
Charleston, WV
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Diego | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Earthquakes | Floods, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
As you move from San Diego to Charleston, you'll find the seasons more pronounced. San Diego offers consistently mild weather with high sunshine, while in Charleston, summer's higher temperatures contrast with colder, snowy winters. Charleston's rain increases significantly, impacting your wardrobe and activities. Be prepared for Charleston's more diverse natural disasters and adjust to its unique set of seasonal allergens.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Charleston
When moving from San Diego to Charleston , it's vital to understand the financial differences between the two cities. This comparison will inform you about how the cost of living and economic conditions may impact your lifestyle and budgeting in your new home.
| Comparison | San Diego | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 92.7 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 6.5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.76% | 0.59% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75% | 6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Military, Technology | Energy, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Prosperous | Modest |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Significant | Low |
While San Diego is characterized by relatively high costs of living and income, Charleston offers more affordable living expenses but with a lower average household income. The state income tax is dramatically lower in West Virginia compared to California, which might aid in your budgeting. However, San Diego's prosperous economy largely driven by technology and tourism presents unique opportunities. Charleston, on the other hand, is more dependent on industries like energy and healthcare, which can significantly influence job prospects and salary expectations.
San Diego vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison
The purpose of this comparison is to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This will help you understand the distinct dynamics between San Diego & Charleston .
| San Diego | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning | Conservative |
| Local Politics | San Diego City Government | Charleston City Government |
| Religion | Diverse religious landscape | Predominantly Christian |
Understanding the political and religious climate of your new city can significantly impact your adaptation and community engagement. San Diego's liberal-leaning atmosphere fosters a culture of diversity in both thought and belief, which is reflected in its varied religious institutions such as temples, mosques, and churches. Meanwhile, Charleston's predominantly Christian community might offer a more unified religious environment, potentially giving you a stronger sense of communal belonging if your beliefs align. Embracing these differences can enrich your relocation experience as you transition between these culturally distinct cities.
San Diego vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
To better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like when moving from San Diego, CA, to Charleston, WV, it's important to compare the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Charleston . This comparison will help you navigate the differences in daily travel and commuting needs between these two distinct cities.
| Comparison | San Diego | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 19 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes, but it's challenging |
In San Diego, you might find yourself spending more time on the road due to higher traffic congestion. Although the public transit system is relatively developed, with services like the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, a car is typically necessary to efficiently navigate the urban sprawl. In Charleston, on the other hand, the lower traffic congestion can make your drives more pleasant and the shorter average commute times add to the convenience. However, the limited availability of public transit means you might still prefer having a car to move around easily, despite it being possible to manage without one. This makes Charleston feel more manageable for those who prefer less crowded commuting experiences.
Additional Resources
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