Best Charleston to Louisville Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Charleston to Louisville and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 249 mile move from West Virginia to Kentucky go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 15 Charleston to Louisville 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 Louisville. 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 Charleston to Louisville 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 | 8.93 | 9.13 | Active | Contact |
3 | Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving | 8.76 | 9.14 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Central Van Lines | 8.16 | 8.11 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | Two Men and a Truck | 7.70 | 7.26 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Charleston to Louisville
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 249 miles from Charleston, WV to Louisville, KY will cost on average $1,993 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Louisville 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 Louisville to Charleston guide.
Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Louisville 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) |

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) |

Two Men and a Truck
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3402685 / 1095537 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |

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.
Charleston vs. Louisville Neighborhood Comparison
If you're considering a move from *Charleston, WV* to *Louisville, KY*, this guide will help you navigate the local neighborhoods by comparing popular areas in both cities, making your transition smoother and more familiar.
Charleston | Louisville | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
South Hills | Crescent Hill | Charming, residential setting |
East End | Highlands | Vibrant dining and shopping |
Kanawha City | Clifton | Family-friendly community vibe |
West Side | Portland | Emerging arts scene |
Downtown | NuLu | Urban culture and art |
The Flats | Butchertown | Industrial roots and revitalization |
Fort Hill | Germantown | Eclectic mix of old and new |
Elk City | Shelby Park | Community-focused and evolving |
Edgewood | St. Matthews | Suburban comfort with amenities |
The East End | Old Louisville | Historic charm and community |
When relocating from Charleston's East End, known for its vibrant dining and shopping options, you might feel right at home in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood. With eclectic spots like Baxter Avenue or the iconic Cherokee Park, the Highlands offer a bustling atmosphere similar to what you may be used to. Exploring South Hills in Charleston? You'll find Crescent Hill in Louisville has a similarly charming residential setting, with beautiful tree-lined streets and the celebrated Frankfort Avenue, featuring a delightful mix of boutiques and eateries. For those from Kanawha City, Clifton in Louisville presents a family-friendly atmosphere with close-knit community events and the popular Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest nearby, creating a welcoming environment perfect for families.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Louisville
Moving from Charleston, WV to Louisville, KY can be a significant change, and this comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. By exploring the pros and cons of these two cities, we aim to offer a balanced view to help you make an informed decision.
- Limited job opportunities
- Less nightlife
- Smaller airport
- Robust job market
- Vibrant entertainment scene
- Better flight options
- More urban noise
- Higher housing costs
- Larger, busier atmosphere
- Quieter lifestyle
- Lower cost of living
- Familiar community vibe
The move to Louisville from Charleston might bring about some exciting lifestyle changes. In Louisville, you'll find an energetic entertainment scene with numerous venues such as the renowned Louisville Palace and a thriving local restaurant culture featuring spots like The Brown Hotel. If you appreciate having a variety of flight options, the larger Louisville International Airport (SDF) may be a compelling advantage compared to Charleston's Yeager Airport. However, you might miss Charleston's quieter streets and the charm of parks like Kanawha State Forest, a serene retreat that's easily accessible. While navigating a larger, busier environment, neighborhoods such as Old Louisville might still offer a touch of such tranquility in southern charm.
Charleston vs. Louisville Food Guide
Food is an essential part of local culture and plays a significant role in defining the lifestyle of a community. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Charleston & Louisville , providing you with insights into what delectable delights to expect as you prepare for your move.
Charleston | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Hot Dogs with Coleslaw | Benedictine Spread |
Most popular meat dish | Pepperoni Roll | Burgoo |
Most popular street food item | Ramp Pesto | Hot Brown |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Vegan Caesar Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Louisville's vibrant food scene offers a range of delights such as the creamy Benedictine Spread and hearty Burgoo, often found in hotspots like the NuLu neighborhood. If you're a foodie, you'll be delighted by the multitude of top-rated restaurants and the energetic abundance of food trucks that punctuate the city, especially around the Highlands area. Although Charleston offers gems like its comforting Pepperoni Roll, Louisville's higher rating as a vegan-friendly city means you'll find more plant-based options scattered across prominent locales. As you settle in, be sure to visit iconic venues such as Jack Fry’s and Hammerheads for an authentic taste of the city’s culinary charisma.
Charleston vs. Louisville Restaurant Comparison
Moving to a new city means finding new places to call home, and food often plays a crucial role in that transition. This comparison of Charleston and Louisville's top restaurants will help you find your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown as a guide.
Charleston | Louisville | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Black Sheep Burrito & Brews | Feast BBQ | Known for its eclectic atmosphere and creative cuisine |
Bluegrass Kitchen | Harvest | Both emphasize farm-to-table freshness and local ingredients |
Bridge Road Bistro | J Graham's Cafe | A staple for classic entrees and elegant dining |
Swiftwater Café | Toast On Market | Popular for casual brunches and homemade touches |
Laury's Restaurant | Ruth's Chris Steak House | Both offer high-end steakhouse experiences |
Pies & Pints | Mellwood Tavern | Shares a love for unique pizzas and a vibrant pub vibe |
Soho's | Jack Fry's | Both deliver an upscale yet cozy dining atmosphere |
Tidewater Grill | Seafood Lady | Known for fresh, delicious seafood with a laid-back vibe |
The Lunch Box | Nord's Bakery | Celebrated for hearty meals and delightful pastries |
Sokolata | Cellar Door Chocolates | Equally famed for artisanal sweets and confections |
For those craving a farm-to-table experience, you'll enjoy Harvest in Louisville, which mirrors the fresh and locally sourced focus that Bluegrass Kitchen in Charleston is known for. If you have a penchant for gourmet twists on pizza, Mellwood Tavern is a must-visit, offering inventive pies reminiscent of what you'd find at Pies & Pints. Lovers of handcrafted chocolate will find delight in Cellar Door Chocolates, providing the same artisanal quality as Charleston's beloved Sokolata. By exploring these Louisville gems, you'll find comforting echoes of Charleston's vibrant culinary scene, ensuring you feel right at home.

Ready to start your move?
Charleston vs. Louisville Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's important to know how the housing markets of Charleston, WV and Louisville, KY compare. This comparison will help you make informed decisions about your relocation.
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Victorian |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Fireplace, Large Yard | Historic District, Modern Kitchen |
When comparing the housing markets between Charleston and Louisville, several key differences stand out. While Charleston offers more affordable home prices, Louisville boasts a more diverse range of architectural styles, prominently featuring Victorian homes. The urban appeal in Louisville is enhanced by a higher walkability score, making it more conducive for those who prefer to explore their surroundings on foot. Additionally, real estate listings in Louisville frequently highlight desirable features like modern kitchens and homes in historic districts, which may appeal to those looking for a blend of tradition and contemporary living. If you're inclined towards outdoor activities, Louisville's better bikeability adds a notable advantage for cycling enthusiasts looking to explore the city on two wheels.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Louisville, KY
1. The Highlands: Known for its pet-friendly atmosphere, The Highlands boasts numerous dog parks, like Baxter Square, and pet-friendly dining options, making it a haven for pet owners.
2. Crescent Hill: Crescent Hill features wide, walkable streets and the popular Crescent Hill Park, ensuring your furry friends have plenty of space to explore and play.
3. Nulu: This trendy neighborhood is not just about art and dining; it's also home to several pet-centric businesses like pet boutiques and bakeries, making it a perfect spot for pet lovers.
Charleston vs. Louisville Weather Considerations
When moving from Charleston, WV to Louisville, KY , understanding the weather differences helps you prepare for changes in climate, such as temperature fluctuations and environmental conditions, ultimately ensuring a smoother transition.
Charleston, WV
Louisville, KY
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Charleston, WV
Louisville, KY
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Charleston, WV
Louisville, KY
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Charleston, WV
Louisville, KY
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Flooding | Tornadoes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Relocating from Charleston to Louisville means experiencing slightly hotter summers, as temperatures in Louisville average about 3 degrees warmer. Although both cities are relatively humid, Louisville is marginally less humid. You might also notice more sunny days annually, inching towards 200 in Louisville. Natural disaster risks differ, with Louisville having a more notable tornado threat, while Charleston experiences more flood-related concerns. Lastly, snowfall is less frequent in Louisville, which might be a pleasant change if you're not a fan of snow.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Charleston to Louisville
If you're moving from Charleston, WV to Louisville, KY , it's crucial to understand how the cost of living will compare to what you are used to. By evaluating financial metrics, you can better prepare for the economic differences you'll encounter and ensure a smoother transition between these two cities.
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $46,000 | $57,182 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 87.7 |
State Income Tax | 6.5% | 5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.6% | 0.93% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Government, Healthcare, Education | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Notable | Moderate |
Homelessness | Present | Moderate |
When comparing the economic landscape of Charleston and Louisville, you'll find some notable differences. Louisville, for instance, has a higher average household income and Cost of Living Index, indicating a slightly elevated standard of living. However, you'll also encounter a lower state income tax rate in Kentucky compared to West Virginia, which might favor personal finances in the long run. While both cities share the healthcare industry as a significant economic driver, you'll notice a transition from government and education in Charleston to manufacturing and retail in Louisville, hinting at varied opportunities for career growth depending on your industry.
Charleston vs. Louisville Political & Religious Comparison
The comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents, helping you understand the community when moving. Explore the comparison of the politics between Charleston & Louisville to see the similarities and differences in these vibrant cities.
Charleston | Louisville | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderate to conservative | Progressive |
Local Politics | Republican influence in state politics | Democratic dominance |
Religion | Predominantly Christian | Diverse, with significant Catholic presence |
As you consider moving from Charleston to Louisville, it's important to note the difference in political climates. Charleston leans towards a more moderate to conservative stance, influenced by Republican politics at the state level. In contrast, Louisville is notably more progressive, often showing stronger Democratic support in local elections. This can be a crucial point if political leanings impact your community engagement. Furthermore, while both cities have Christian influences, Louisville boasts a more diverse religious community, highlighted by a significant Catholic population. This diversity is reflected in cultural experiences and religious events that might enrich your life in the city.
Charleston vs. Louisville Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
If you're considering a move from Charleston, WV to Louisville, KY, understanding the daily commute and traffic can help ease your transition. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Charleston & Louisville provides insights into what you can expect in terms of average commute times, congestion, and public transit availability.
Comparison | Charleston | Louisville |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 25 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | No | Yes, in some areas |
When moving to Louisville, you'll notice that commute times are slightly longer, likely due to the increased traffic congestion compared to Charleston. On the upside, Louisville offers more robust public transit options, rated noticeably higher than Charleston's. This improved access to buses and other services means that in some areas, you might manage without a car. Exploring neighborhoods like the burgeoning Nulu district will reveal convenient TARC bus services, making car-free living more feasible. Adjusting to Louisville's transportation landscape can ultimately offer a richer variety of commuting options.



Additional Resources
Charleston Moving Services
Popular Charleston to Kentucky Routes
Popular Moving Resources