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Moving from Idaho to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

ID state flag
Living now

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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
Idaho
95.5
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 6.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Idaho
90.0
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 40% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Idaho
96.3
West Virginia
96.5
Utilities index (modeled)
Idaho
99.3
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 0.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 26% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Idaho
99.1
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 1.2% lower transportation
Median home value
Idaho
$446,400
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 62% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Idaho
$1,384/mo
West Virginia
$883/mo
West Virginia is 36% 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
Idaho
87°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Idaho
22°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 14% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Idaho
46°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 13% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Idaho
199
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 15% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Idaho
17 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 161% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Idaho
24
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 75% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Idaho
12
West Virginia
0
West Virginia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Idaho
51 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 24% less annual snowfall

Get the full IdahoWest 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 Idaho?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.8 for Idaho, 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?

Idaho tops out at 5.3% 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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