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Moving from Arizona to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

WV state flag
Moving to

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Median household income $55,217 · winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

West Virginia has an overall price level 89.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 49% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Arizona
95.4
West Virginia
96.5
West Virginia has 1.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 3.7% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 2.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 60% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,672/mo
West Virginia
$883/mo
West Virginia is 47% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 20% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 42% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 17% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
211
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 20% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 240% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Arizona
43
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 2.3% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Arizona
1
West Virginia
0
West Virginia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 290% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaWest Virginia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia than Arizona?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. West Virginia tops out at 4.58%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in West Virginia?

Most West Virginia residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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