Best Louisville to Charleston Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Louisville to Charleston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 249 mile move from Kentucky to West Virginia go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 16 Louisville 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 Ready Set Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Louisville 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 Louisville to Charleston Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ready Set Movers | 9.16 | 9.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | UNITS of Kentucky | 8.94 | 9.13 | Active | Contact |
| 3 | Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving | 8.76 | 9.14 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Kentuckiana Moving, LLC | 8.64 | 9.1 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Central Van Lines | 8.16 | 8.11 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Louisville to Charleston
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 249 miles from Louisville, KY to Charleston, WV will cost on average $1,993 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Louisville to Charleston move is roughly $4,762. 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 | $1,344 | 300 ft³ | 4.48 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,993 | 450 ft³ | 4.43 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,284 | 750 ft³ | 4.38 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,762 | 1100 ft³ | 4.33 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,846 | 1600 ft³ | 4.28 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,612 | 1800 ft³ | 4.23 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Charleston to Louisville guide.
Compare the 5 Best Louisville to Charleston Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
UNITS of Kentucky
1841 Taylor Ave Building # 32
Louisville, KY, 40213
About UNITS of Kentucky
UNITS of Kentucky is a locally-owned and operated moving and portable storage company founded in 2004. The company offers convenient moving...
Services
- Storage
- Moving
- Moving & Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 439414 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2022) |
Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving
1861 Williamson Ct
Louisville, KY, 40223
About Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving
Your one-stop-shop moving company in Louisville, Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving serves local Kentucky and Southern Indiana residents and businesses with...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1834511 / 1460292 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2022) |
Kentuckiana Moving, LLC
This listing has been claimed by Kentuckiana Moving, LLC147 West Main Street
New Albany, IN, 47140
About Kentuckiana Moving, LLC
With headquarters in New Albany, Kentuckiana Moving serves customers in Louisville and across Southern Indiana. Offering short and long-distance and cross-country...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Local Home Movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2933318 / 1080511 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2018) |
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.
Louisville vs. Charleston Neighborhood Comparison
Comparing neighborhoods in Louisville, KY & Charleston, WV can help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your current city as a baseline. We'll help you discover the most similar neighborhoods between these two charming locales.
| Louisville | Charleston | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands | East End | Vibrant arts scene |
| NuLu | Capitol Market District | Boutique shops and eateries |
| Crescent Hill | South Hills | Quaint, historic charm |
| Old Louisville | East End Historical District | Victorian architecture |
| St. Matthews | Kanawha City | Suburban feel, shopping |
| Clifton | North Charleston | Revitalized, eclectic vibe |
| Butchertown | Warehouse District | Industrial chic, lofts |
| Beechmont | South Charleston | Affordable, family-friendly |
| Germantown | Watts Hill | Up-and-coming with breweries |
| Portland | Elk City | Artsy, community-focused |
If you enjoy the vibrant arts scene and eclectic boutiques of the Highlands in Louisville, you'll find the East End neighborhood in Charleston a delightful counterpart, where creativity abounds in local galleries and unique stores. For those who appreciate the bustling, bohemian character of NuLu with its artisan eateries and art shops, the Capitol Market District offers a similar vibe in West Virginia's capital. Over in Crescent Hill, known for its tranquil environment and small-town feel, you can find a comparable atmosphere in Charleston's South Hills neighborhood, which is rich in history and offers charming shops and quiet streets perfect for leisurely strolls. Fans of Old Louisville's grand Victorian houses will feel at home in East End Historical District, where the timeless beauty of the late 19th century is preserved with pristine care.
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 Louisville to Charleston
Considering a move from Louisville, KY to Charleston, WV involves carefully weighing the differences in lifestyle and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this relocation, helping you understand what each city offers.
Louisville, KY- Higher crime rates
- Heavy traffic
- More expensive housing
- Extreme weather
Charleston, WV- Lower crime rates
- Less congestion
- Affordable housing
- Milder climate
Charleston, WV- Less entertainment options
- Fewer job opportunities
- Limited cuisine variety
- Fewer cultural attractions
Louisville, KY- Vibrant nightlife
- Diverse job market
- Diverse dining options
- Many cultural events
In Louisville, KY, the vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options are significant draws, with popular spots like NuLu offering everything from quirky eateries to craft breweries. In contrast, Charleston, WV provides a quieter lifestyle, with access to beautiful nature parks such as Kanawha State Forest, perfect for weekend hikes. While you may find fewer job opportunities in Charleston compared to Louisville's diverse job market, the benefit is the more affordable housing, offering a chance for larger living spaces without breaking the bank. Both cities have their charm, and knowing what's most important to you will steer your decision in the right direction.
Louisville vs. Charleston Food Guide
Embarking on a new journey from Louisville, KY to Charleston, WV? Food is an integral part of local culture, providing insight into what life in a new area might be like. Let's explore the local cuisine between Louisville & Charleston to help you better understand the food scene awaiting you.
| Louisville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Hot Brown | Pepperoni Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Kentucky Fried Chicken | Ramp Dish |
| Most popular street food item | BBQ Ribs | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Veggie Pasta |
| 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) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Charleston, discovering the pepperoni roll is essential for any newcomer. This iconic snack is prevalent throughout the Appalachian region and can be savored in neighborhoods like the East End. If you’re keen on trying more local delicacies, visit places like Bluegrass Kitchen for creative dishes using ramps—a unique local ingredient. Charleston may have a small food truck scene compared to Louisville, but hidden culinary gems often pop up in locales such as Kanawha City. While the vegan scene is not as vibrant as in Louisville, you can still find delightful options like veggie pasta in downtown spots. Exploring Charleston’s restaurant landscape will provide a rich taste of its growing foodie culture.
Louisville vs. Charleston Restaurant Comparison
Food is a cornerstone of making any area your new home . This restaurant comparison between Louisville and Charleston will guide you in discovering local favorites that parallel the eateries you love in your current hometown.
| Louisville | Charleston | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Fry's | The Chop House | Offers a classic steakhouse elegance similar to Jack Fry's |
| Lilly's Bistro | South Hills Market and Cafe | Shares a commitment to fresh, local ingredients |
| Garage Bar | Sam's Uptown Cafe | Casual yet trendy ambiance akin to Garage Bar |
| Seviche | Laury's | Innovative and upscale seafood dishes that resemble the offerings at Seviche |
| The Eagle | Recovery Sports Grill | Fun, laid-back atmosphere with comfort food favorites |
| Harvest | The Bluegrass Kitchen | Emphasis on farm-to-table, similar ethos as Harvest |
| Mayan Cafe | Taste of Asia | Fusion flavors with a unique twist |
| Hillbilly Tea | Tea Time Cafe | Tea-focused spot with a rustic vibe like Hillbilly Tea |
| The Brown Hotel | Crestmont Inn | Historic charm and classic dining experience |
| Taco Luchador | Viva Mexico | Authentic Mexican street food flavors |
Dive into a dining experience at The Chop House in Charleston, where you can relish the rich, classic steakhouse vibes, comparable to Louisville's Jack Fry's. For those who cherish farm-to-table meals, The Bluegrass Kitchen in Charleston mirrors the local and seasonal menu at Harvest. Similarly, if you're a fan of the rustic, tea-centric atmosphere of Hillbilly Tea, you'll find solace in Tea Time Cafe where the ambiance is equally captivating. Whether you seek culinary innovation or comforting classics, Charleston promises to cater to your palate, just as Louisville has.
Ready to start your move?
Louisville vs. Charleston Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Understanding how Louisville and Charleston compare in terms of housing can help you make an informed decision. It’s crucial to grasp these aspects including cost, architecture, and walkability before making your transition.
| Comparison | Louisville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, patios | Fireplaces, large yards |
When comparing housing in Louisville and Charleston, you'll notice distinct differences in architecture and price. For instance, Louisville often features charming Craftsman-style homes that come with a higher median home price. Meanwhile, Charleston offers more budget-friendly Colonial-style houses. Walkability scores slightly favor Charleston, making it easier for you to enjoy city life on foot. However, if bicycle commuting is important to you, Louisville may be more accommodating, even though both cities are still developing their bike-friendliness. Things like open floor plans and patios in Louisville listings or fireplaces and large yards in Charleston listings may also influence your choice.
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.
Louisville vs. Charleston Weather Considerations
When relocating from one city to another, it is crucial to understand how the weather in Louisville compares to Charleston . This knowledge will help you prepare for any adjustments in temperature, precipitation, or general climate conditions you may experience in your new home.
Louisville, KY
Charleston, WV
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Louisville, KY
Charleston, WV
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Louisville, KY
Charleston, WV
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Louisville, KY
Charleston, WV
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Louisville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes | Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Louisville and Charleston experience four distinct seasons, you'll find some noteworthy differences. In summer, Charleston tends to have slightly cooler days compared to Louisville, which can be a refreshing change. However, Charleston sees fewer sunny days annually, implying more cloud cover. Furthermore, if you're sensitive to changes in humidity, Charleston's higher average humidity might be noticeable. Tornadoes in Louisville and floods in Charleston mean that you'll need to be prepared for distinct natural disaster scenarios. Lastly, the difference in average snowfall may also impact your wintertime activities and preparations.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Louisville to Charleston
If you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. This overview will help you grasp the financial differences between Louisville, KY and Charleston, WV .
| Comparison | Louisville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $57,182 | |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.7 | 92.7 |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 6.5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.93% | 0.59% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail | Government, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
| Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
| Homelessness | Visible | Less prominent |
Moving from Louisville to Charleston might initially seem like a shift towards a more economically modest environment. Despite a lower average household income, Charleston boasts a lower cost of living index, which could make daily expenses more manageable. However, you might need to adjust to a slightly higher state income tax compared to Louisville. Property taxes in Charleston are notably lower, potentially easing the financial burden associated with home ownership. Both cities share the same sales tax rate, but their industrial landscapes differ, with Charleston emphasizing government-related jobs. Understanding these nuances can help you better plan your financial transition to Charleston.
Louisville vs. Charleston Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. The politics of Louisville & Charleston are compared to help you understand the nuances of each city as you plan your move.
| Louisville | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal-leaning | Conservative-leaning |
| Local Politics | Democratic leadership | Republican leadership |
| Religion | Diverse with a mix of Christian and other faiths | Predominantly Christian |
When moving from Louisville to Charleston, you may notice the shift from a liberal to a more conservative political landscape. Louisville's bustling urban environment often leans Democratic, which is reflected in its local governance, while Charleston embraces its conservative roots under Republican leadership. The religious makeup also contrasts, with Louisville offering a more diverse range of religious institutions and communities compared to Charleston's predominantly Christian population. These differences might influence your day-to-day activities, so it’s valuable to explore local community groups and places of worship that align with your interests before you settle in.
Louisville vs. Charleston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This guide will help you compare the traffic and transportation options between Louisville & Charleston to better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in each city.
| Comparison | Louisville | Charleston |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 23 | 18 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possibly | Unlikely |
Comparing Louisville to Charleston, you'll find that Louisville tends to have more traffic congestion, with a rating, of 6 compared to Charleston's 3. This means that while Louisville offers a more robust public transit system, with a higher availability rating, you might still find yourself spending more time in traffic. In contrast, Charleston's shorter commute times reflect its manageable level of congestion, though daily life there often necessitates owning a car due to limited public transit options. If you're used to getting by without a car in Louisville, you'll likely need to adjust your expectations when moving to Charleston.
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