Best Charleston to Raleigh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Charleston to Raleigh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 315 mile move from West Virginia to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Charleston to Raleigh 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 Raleigh Moving Company), 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
2Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
3Ready Set Movers9.179.22Authorized For HHG
4Central Van Lines8.188.11Authorized For Property, HHG
5Two Men and a Truck7.707.26Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Charleston to Raleigh?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 315 miles from Charleston, WV to Raleigh, NC will cost on average $2,049 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Charleston to Raleigh move is roughly $4,899. 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$1,381300 ft³$4.60
1 Bedroom$2,049450 ft³$4.55
2 Bedrooms$3,378750 ft³$4.50
3 Bedrooms$4,8991100 ft³$4.45
4 Bedrooms$7,0461600 ft³$4.40
5+ Bedrooms$7,8361800 ft³$4.35
*Please note: These West Virginia to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from West Virginia & North Carolina. 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 NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Raleigh to Charleston guide.

Compare the 5 Best Charleston to Raleigh Movers

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

Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
1
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 3,932+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

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

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Ready Set Movers Logo

Ready Set Movers

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 819+ 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
3
Central Van Lines Logo

Central Van Lines

Very Good8.18/10
based on 322+ 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 758+ 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. Raleigh Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be both exciting and challenging, especially when transitioning to a new city. To make this journey smoother, we present a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Charleston, WV & Raleigh, NC . This will help you find familiar comfort in an unfamiliar setting.

CharlestonRaleighHow They're Similar
South HillsNorth HillsAffluent residential area with excellent schools
Kanawha CityCameron VillageBalance of retail and residential
East EndFive PointsHistoric, eclectic vibe
Forest HillsWadeTree-lined streets, mature housing
EdgewoodGlenwood SouthVibrant arts scene
West SideBoylan HeightsArtsy with historic charm
Fort HillMordecaiQuiet, family-friendly, near downtown
Sherwood ForestOakwoodEstablished community, historic homes
East BankDowntown RaleighUrban lifestyle, cultural amenities
North CharlestonNorth RaleighGrowing, diverse community

Exploring Raleigh through the lens of Charleston's neighborhoods, you’ll find that South Hills’ affluence and acclaimed schools mirror the desirable features of North Hills, known for its upscale living and top-notch educational institutions. For those who enjoy the historic vibe of Charleston's East End, the eclectic charm and artsy feel of Raleigh's Five Points offers a beautiful parallel with its historic architecture and vibrant local businesses. If you love the blend of retail and residential in Kanawha City, you’ll enjoy the bustling yet balanced environment of Cameron Village, where a mix of shops, cafes, and homes create a lively atmosphere. Additionally, the tree-lined streets and mature homes of Forest Hills find their counterpart in Raleigh's Wade, offering serene living with easy access to the city's amenities.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Charleston to Raleigh

This comparison seeks to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Charleston, WV to Raleigh, NC . By highlighting the pros and cons of both cities, you can determine if this move is right for you.

CONs
PROs
Charleston, WV iconCharleston, WV
  • Lack of job diversity
  • Severe winter weather
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited nightlife
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Thriving job market
  • Milder climate
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Lively nightlife
Raleigh, NC iconRaleigh, NC
  • Higher housing market
  • Urban development sprawl
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Busy traffic
Charleston, WV iconCharleston, WV
  • Lower cost of living
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Community-oriented feel
  • Less traffic congestion

While Charleston offers a lower cost of living and less traffic congestion, Raleigh boasts a thriving job market and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a popular destination for professionals and families alike. You'll discover the lively nightlife in neighborhoods like the Glenwood South area, filled with diverse restaurants and bars. For those who enjoy a mix of outdoor and urban environments, Dorothea Dix Park serves as a community oasis amidst Raleigh’s urban sprawl. Additionally, Raleigh's improved climate will provide milder winters compared to Charleston’s severe winter weather, offering more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

Charleston vs. Raleigh Food Guide

Local cuisine is an essential aspect of community culture, revealing much about a location's way of life. By examining the local cuisine between Charleston and Raleigh , you can better understand the food scene in your new surroundings.

Charleston
Raleigh
Most iconic local food item
Pepperoni Roll
Barbecue
Most popular meat dish
Country Ham
Pulled Pork
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Black Bean Burger
Vegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tidewater Grill
  • Bluegrass Kitchen
  • Pies & Pints
  • The Pit
  • Poole's Diner
  • Brewery Bhavana
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Raleigh stands out in terms of its lively food truck scene, offering an impressive array of mobile culinary options, particularly in neighborhoods such as Moore Square and Warehouse District. If you're a vegan, you’ll appreciate the city’s burgeoning vegan offerings, including popular spots like Vegan Community Kitchen. On the other hand, Charleston, though not as vibrant in the vegan and food truck arenas, boasts its own distinct flavors, especially true West Virginia staples like pepperoni rolls which can be enjoyed at Capitol Market. This cultural exchange between Charleston's traditional palate and Raleigh’s contemporary culinary dynamism makes the move an intriguing adventure for your taste buds.

Charleston vs. Raleigh Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a vital role in making a new place feel like home. This restaurant comparison will guide you to find your new favorite eateries by using your current hometown of Charleston, WV as a guide to explore the culinary landscape of Raleigh, NC.

CharlestonRaleighWhat You'll Love
1010 BridgeThe Fiction KitchenOffers innovative farm-to-table cuisine with a Southern twist
Pies & PintsLilly's PizzaKnown for creative artisanal pizzas and casual atmosphere
Bluegrass KitchenBeasley’s Chicken + HoneyCombines comfort food with a gourmet flair
Fazio'sCaffé LunaItalian culinary favorites with a cozy and elegant feel
Bricks & BarrelsGravySimilar setting of reclaimed wood aesthetic and Italian-American menu
Secret Sandwich SocietyJ. Betski'sOffers unique and hearty sandwiches with a European flair
SokolataThe Chocolate BoutiqueOffers handmade chocolates and sweet delights

If you're a fan of creative pizzas, Lilly’s Pizza will delight you with its artisanal varieties, echoing the charm that Pies & Pints brings to Charleston. Those who love sophisticated yet hearty meals can find their new go-to restaurant in Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Much like Charleston’s own Bluegrass Kitchen, Beasley's serves comforting dishes with a gourmet twist, perfect for those who appreciate elevated Southern flavors. Meanwhile, if you have a sweet tooth, The Chocolate Boutique in Raleigh will remind you of the delectable sweets from Charleston's Sokolata, providing handmade chocolates guaranteed to satisfy.

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Charleston vs. Raleigh Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor in relocating, and understanding the housing dynamics in both Charleston, WV and Raleigh, NC can help you make an informed decision. This comparison highlights the essential features of each city's housing landscape, considering factors like cost , architecture , and overall walkability .

Charleston
Raleigh
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial
Contemporary
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large yards, quaint neighborhoods
Open floor plans, smart homes

When considering a move from Charleston, WV to Raleigh, NC, you'll notice a distinct difference in housing costs, with Raleigh's median home price more than double that of Charleston. While Charleston offers charming colonial architecture amid quaint neighborhoods, Raleigh provides a modern contrast with contemporary homes and advanced tech features like smart homes. Raleigh scores higher in both walkability and bikeability, making it an excellent choice for those favoring active transport options. The emphasis on open floor plans reflects Raleigh's dynamic urban lifestyle, contrasting Charleston's traditional appeal with large yards.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC

1. Five Points : You’ll love the convenient access to several dog-friendly parks and walking trails that make exercising and socializing with your pet enjoyable.

2. North Hills : This area offers pet-friendly apartments and a variety of outdoor spaces, including a nearby dog park, making it easy to live and play with your furry friend.

3. Glenwood South : With its numerous pet-welcoming cafes, bars, and community events, you and your pet can enjoy vibrant social activities together.

Charleston vs. Raleigh Weather Considerations

If you're relocating from Charleston, WV to Raleigh, NC , it's crucial to understand how the weather in these two regions will compare to what you are accustomed to. This comparison will help you prepare for changes in climate , ensuring a smooth transition to your new environment.

Charleston
Raleigh
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Flooding, Tornadoes
Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 64°F
89°F / 68°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

45°F / 26°F
52°F / 32°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

45
46
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

24
5


When considering a move from Charleston to Raleigh, you will notice some distinct climate differences. Raleigh typically experiences a warmer climate with higher summer temperatures compared to Charleston. You will enjoy significantly more sunny days in Raleigh, contributing to the perception of a brighter, more vibrant environment. However, the risk of hurricanes in Raleigh demands attention, despite experiencing less snowfall than Charleston. Adjustments in clothing choices and precautions for potential natural disasters might be necessary to accommodate these changes in your lifestyle.

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

When moving from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living in your current location compares to your new destination. This comparison will guide you in managing expectations and making sound financial decisions as you transition from Charleston to Raleigh .

Charleston
Raleigh
Avg. Household Income
55,000
$74,612
Cost of Living Index
92.7
98.2
State Income Tax
6.5%
5.25%
Avg. Property Tax
0.58%
0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax
6%
7.25%
Top 3 Industries
Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing
Tech, Education, Healthcare
Affluence
Modest
Prosperous
Poverty
Visible
Limited
Homelessness
Concerning
Low

When moving from Charleston to Raleigh, you'll find that the average household income is notably higher in Raleigh, which suggests a generally wealthier population. Meanwhile, the cost of living index in Raleigh is higher, indicating that you'll need more income to maintain the same lifestyle you had in Charleston. Additionally, the state income tax is slightly lower in Raleigh, which could help mitigate some of the increased living costs. Raleigh's job market stands out with its booming tech industry, which might present new and exciting job opportunities for those in relevant fields. These factors combined may contribute to Raleigh's description as more "prosperous" compared to Charleston’s "modest" affluence.

Charleston vs. Raleigh Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a comparison of the politics between Charleston & Raleigh , giving you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. Whether you're looking for a diverse cultural environment, a more conservative or liberal atmosphere, our guide will help to inform your decision in moving from Charleston, WV to Raleigh, NC.

Charleston
Raleigh
Political Make-up
Moderate
Liberal
Local Politics
Republican-leaning
Democratic-leaning
Religion
Predominantly Christian
Diverse religious presence

Moving from Charleston to Raleigh offers a shift in both political and religious landscapes. In Charleston, the political climate is generally moderate with a notable Republican lean in local governance, whereas Raleigh presents a more liberal environment with strong Democratic influence at the local level. This change could affect your engagement with community programs and local policies, something to consider if you frequently participate in civic activities. On the religious spectrum, Charleston predominantly features Christian denominations, providing a tight-knit community for those who practice. Raleigh, however, boasts a broader religious diversity, offering more opportunities to engage with various global faith traditions through different community centers and events. Consider visiting some local spots, such as Raleigh's Pullen Park (Pullen Park), to get a feel for the vibrant community spirit.

Charleston vs. Raleigh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This guide aims to help you compare the traffic and transportation options between Charleston, WV & Raleigh, NC in order to better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like in each city.

Charleston
Raleigh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
18
26
Traffic Congestion
3 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
4 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes, but limited
Yes, more accessible

When moving from Charleston to Raleigh, you may notice a shift in commuting dynamics. Although Charleston has a shorter average commute time, its public transit options are less extensive compared to Raleigh, where the network is more developed and accessible. Traffic congestion in Raleigh scores higher, reflecting its status as a larger metropolitan area. This may influence your decision to rely more on public transit options, offering a viable alternative to driving. While both cities allow for living without a car, the extent of mobility without one is greater in Raleigh, providing more independence in daily travel.

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