Best Charleston to Indianapolis Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Charleston to Indianapolis and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 313 mile move from West Virginia to Indiana go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 20 Charleston to Indianapolis 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 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 Charleston compared to Indianapolis. 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 Charleston to Indianapolis Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Ready Set Movers9.169.22Authorized For HHGContact
2Bulldogs Moving Co.9.129.47Authorized For HHGContact
3Soft Touch Moving8.818.86Authorized For HHGContact
4Central Van Lines8.168.11Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Two Men and a Truck7.707.26Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Charleston to Indianapolis

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 313 miles from Charleston, WV to Indianapolis, IN will cost on average $2,047 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Indianapolis move is roughly $4,895. 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$1,380300 ft³4.60
1 Bedroom$2,047450 ft³4.55
2 Bedrooms$3,375750 ft³4.50
3 Bedrooms$4,8951100 ft³4.45
4 Bedrooms$7,0401600 ft³4.40
5+ Bedrooms$7,8301800 ft³4.35
*Please note: These West Virginia to Indiana moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from West Virginia & Indiana. 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 WV to IN mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Indianapolis to Charleston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Indianapolis Movers

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

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
1
Bulldogs Moving Co. Logo

Bulldogs Moving Co.

Exceptional9.12/10
based on 553+ data points

Noblesville, IN, 46060

About Bulldogs Moving Co.

Bulldogs Moving Co., based in Lapel, Indiana, is a local moving company dedicated to providing high-quality services for residential and commercial...

Services

  • Full-service Moves
  • Packing / Unpacking
  • Loading / Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3784131 / 1472268

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Soft Touch Moving Logo

Soft Touch Moving

Superb8.81/10
based on 174+ data points

5136b E 65th St

Indianapolis, IN, 46220

About Soft Touch Moving

Soft Touch Moving has more than 20 years in the moving and relocation industry. It has consistently provided quality full-service moving,...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/20/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

707793 / 331362

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
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
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Good7.70/10
based on 848+ data points

2410 Air Park Rd

North Charleston, SC, 29406

About Two Men and a Truck

Since 1997, Two Men and a Truck has been the go-to moving company for families and businesses in North Charleston, SC....

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Junk Removal

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3402685 / 1095537

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
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.

Charleston vs. Indianapolis Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating to a new city can be daunting, but by comparing familiar neighborhoods, you can find areas that feel like home. This guide provides a comparison between neighborhoods in Charleston, WV & Indianapolis, IN to help you navigate the similarities and differences.

CharlestonIndianapolisHow They're Similar
East EndBroad RippleArtsy vibe and historic charm
South HillsMeridian-KesslerFamily-friendly suburban feel
Kanawha CitySouthportRiverside living with shopping
Fort HillCottage HomeEclectic mix of housing styles
West SideFountain SquareCultural diversity and nightlife
South CharlestonGreenwoodAccess to parks and green spaces
Downtown CharlestonMile SquareUrban lifestyle, rich history
Charleston HeightsButler-TarkingtonQuiet, tree-lined streets
EdgewoodIrvingtonHistoric homes and vibrant community
North CharlestonBroad Ripple VillageLively bar and restaurant scene

If you enjoy the artsy vibe and historic charm of East End, Broad Ripple's eclectic mix of local art galleries like The Gallery Pastry Shop and live music venues will captivate you. For those fond of the family-friendly suburban feel in South Hills, Meridian-Kessler offers beautiful architecture and family-centric spots like the iconic Monon Trail. Residents of Kanawha City, who appreciate riverside living and vibrant shopping centers, will feel right at home in Southport, which boasts the Southport Antique Mall and numerous water-based recreational activities. Downtown Charleston's urban lifestyle aligns with Indianapolis's Mile Square, where you can explore historical sites like the Indiana State Museum amidst a dynamic urban atmosphere.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Indianapolis

Relocating from Charleston, WV to Indianapolis, IN involves weighing a mix of factors. This comparison provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Charleston to Indianapolis , helping you make an informed decision about this significant life change.

CONs
PROs
Charleston, WV iconCharleston, WV
  • Limited job market
  • Higher poverty rate
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Remote location
  • Old infrastructure
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Lower poverty rate
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Central location
  • Modern amenities
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Larger city bustle
  • Higher traffic congestion
  • Higher cost of living
  • Higher crime rates
Charleston, WV iconCharleston, WV
  • Quaint small-town feel
  • Lower traffic congestion
  • Cost of living
  • Less crime

Charleston, WV offers a charming small-town atmosphere with lower traffic congestion and a more manageable cost of living. However, Indianapolis shines with its thriving job market and vibrant cultural scene. You’ll find a plethora of neighborhood parks like Garfield Park, and diverse dining experiences in bustling areas such as Mass Ave. While the cost of living may be higher, the variety of opportunities and amenities—from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the Monument Circle—offers a trade-off that many find worthwhile.

Charleston vs. Indianapolis Food Guide

Food is an essential part of local culture, shaping your experience and connection to a new place. In this comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston, WV and Indianapolis, IN , you’ll explore what each city offers, helping you better understand your culinary journey in your new home.

CharlestonIndianapolis
Most iconic local food itemPeanut butter & pepperoni rollsPork tenderloin sandwich
Most popular meat dishFried chicken liversBeef Manhattan
Most popular street food itemHot dogsFood truck tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan chiliJackfruit BBQ 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)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Indianapolis offers a vibrant food scene, especially in neighborhoods like Broad Ripple and Mass Ave., where you can indulge in their renowned pork tenderloin sandwiches or explore numerous food trucks offering diverse options. Local favorites such as Milktooth have put the city on the culinary map, showcasing its innovation and dedication to quality. Meanwhile, the city's attention to vegan-friendly options stands out at restaurants like Three Carrots, making it easier for plant-based eaters to find delicious meals. Overall, Indianapolis presents a dynamic blend of traditional and modern culinary experiences that cater to a wide range of tastes.

Charleston vs. Indianapolis Restaurant Comparison

Food is an essential part of making an area feel like home. This restaurant comparison highlights top dining spots in Charleston, WV and Indianapolis, IN , guiding you to discover your next favorite eateries in your new city using familiar favorites from your current hometown.

CharlestonIndianapolisWhat You'll Love
Pies & PintsJockamo Upper Crust PizzaOffers a diverse menu with craft beer pairings
Bluegrass KitchenMilktoothBoth bring farm-to-table freshness and creativity to their menus
Fazio's Italian RestaurantIaria's Italian RestaurantFamily-owned with a rich history and classic Italian fare
Tidewater GrillOceanaire Seafood RoomPremier seafood options with a focus on fresh catches
Bridge Road BistroBluebeardSimilar upscale dining experiences with a focus on New American cuisine
Black Sheep Burrito & BrewsBakersfieldKnown for inventive tacos and impressive craft beer selections
Mi Cocina de AmorLiveryBoth offer bold, authentic Latin flavors in a vibrant setting
Laury's RestaurantSt. Elmo Steak HouseSignature steak dishes in an elegant, historic setting
Dem 2 Brothers and a GrillSquealers Barbeque GrillRenowned for hearty, flavorful BBQ selections
Sushi GardenSushi BossFresh sushi creations with a customizable menu

In Charleston, the charm of places like Pies & Pints draws you with its lively pizza and beer pairing, while a similar allure awaits at Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza in Indianapolis. For those who adore culinary creativity blended with local ingredients, Bluegrass Kitchen provides a memorable dining escapade in Charleston, echoed by Milktooth in Indy with its inventive brunch offerings. Meanwhile, when you seek the richness of Italy in every bite, the warmth of Fazio’s Italian Restaurant is mirrored by Iaria’s Italian Restaurant. Each spot offers a comforting taste that is sure to make your transition between cities feel a little more like home.

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Charleston vs. Indianapolis Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how housing in Charleston, WV compares to Indianapolis, IN . This comparison will help guide your decision by outlining key elements like cost, architecture, and lifestyle.

ComparisonCharlestonIndianapolis
Typical Architecture StyleColonialCraftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingPatios, fireplacesOpen floor plans, garages

When considering a move, Charleston offers more affordable housing with a median home price significantly lower than Indianapolis. However, if you value an urban lifestyle with higher walkability and bikeability, Indianapolis stands out. Indianapolis's emphasis on open floor plans and garages reflects a modern housing trend, while Charleston's colonial style resonates with historical charm. If you enjoy a vibrant cultural experience, tackling the larger city life in Indianapolis might suit you better, whereas Charleston offers a cozier, more intimate setting.

Charleston vs. Indianapolis Weather Considerations

If you're moving from Charleston, WV to Indianapolis, IN , it's important to understand the weather differences. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare for new conditions and adjust to your new environment. The following comparison highlights key weather elements you should be aware of when shifting from Charleston's climate to Indianapolis.

Summer icon
85/65

Charleston, WV

85/65

Indianapolis, IN

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
43/24

Charleston, WV

37/21

Indianapolis, IN

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
45.1

Charleston, WV

42.4

Indianapolis, IN

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
30

Charleston, WV

25

Indianapolis, IN

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCharlestonIndianapolis
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersFloodingTornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Charleston to Indianapolis, you'll notice some climatic shifts. While both cities enjoy warm summers with comparable high and low temperatures, Indianapolis experiences slightly harsher winters with colder average lows. On a brighter note, you can anticipate more sunny days in Indianapolis, adding cheer to your new routine. While Charleston often deals with flooding, Indianapolis weather poses a higher risk of tornadoes—a factor worth considering in your personal safety planning. The air quality in Indianapolis tends to be better, which could be beneficial for those with respiratory sensitivities. These elements collectively paint a picture of life in your new city, helping you adapt with greater ease.

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

If you're moving from Charleston, WV to Indianapolis, IN , it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial factors will compare to what you're accustomed to. Knowing this information can help you make informed financial decisions and plan effectively for your new lifestyle.

ComparisonCharlestonIndianapolis
Avg. Household Income$49,000$58,479
Cost of Living Index92.787.2
State Income Tax6.5%3.23%
Avg. Property Tax0.57%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Healthcare, GovernmentHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessNoticeableLow

When moving from Charleston to Indianapolis, you will notice a difference in household income levels, with Indianapolis residents earning more on average. Although Indiana has a lower state income tax rate, the overall cost of living is higher, indicative of its larger urban setting and economic opportunities. Additionally, Indianapolis boasts a robust job market in healthcare, manufacturing, and finance, offering diverse employment prospects not as prevalent in Charleston. While you'll experience slightly higher property and sales taxes, the economic landscape in Indianapolis is often viewed as more dynamic and prosperous.

Charleston vs. Indianapolis Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to the section where we provide a quick insight into the local culture by offering a comparison of the politics between Charleston & Indianapolis . Understanding the political and religious makeup of these cities helps you familiarize yourself with your new environment at a glance.

CharlestonIndianapolis
Political Make-upModerate, with a tendency towards Democratic voting in state elections.Mostly Democratic, with some Republican representation.
Local PoliticsFocuses on community development and environmental issues, as evident in local projects like the Capitol Market.Centers around urban growth and minimizing crime, supported by organizations such as the Indy Chamber.
ReligionPredominantly Christian, with various denominations present.Majority Christian, along with a growing presence of other religions.

When you're moving from Charleston to Indianapolis, you may notice the political landscape shifts slightly. While both cities lean Democratic, Indianapolis offers a more urbanized, politically active environment, often focusing on urban growth reflective of its sprawling city nature. Local politics in Charleston feature strong community ties, with initiatives supporting local businesses like the Capitol Market. In contrast, Indianapolis emphasizes urban development, supported by organizations such as the Indy Chamber, which facilitates new business opportunities. Additionally, Charleston's religious scene is largely Christian, similar to Indianapolis, though you might also discover a wider diversity of faith communities as the city continues to grow and embrace multiculturalism.

Charleston vs. Indianapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Embarking on your journey from Charleston, WV to Indianapolis, IN? Understanding the daily commute and traffic differences is essential for your smooth transition. This guide will offer insights into Charleston & Indianapolis traffic and transportation options , enabling you to plan your travel more effectively in your new environment.

ComparisonCharlestonIndianapolis
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2325
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Not easilyPossible

Your daily commute experience will differ as you move from Charleston to Indianapolis. Charleston generally experiences low traffic congestion, making commutes relatively stress-free, while Indianapolis faces more traffic challenges due to its larger size and bustling economy. However, Indianapolis offers more extensive public transportation, such as IndyGo, which could help ease your travels around the city without a car. While it might be challenging to forego a vehicle in Charleston, Indianapolis provides better alternatives , potentially allowing you to explore the city more economically.

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