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Moving from Kansas to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Plains, aviation industry, university towns. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

KS state flag
Living now

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

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
Kansas
90.1
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 0.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Kansas
71.2
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 24% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Kansas
97.5
West Virginia
97.4
Utilities index (modeled)
Kansas
98.5
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
Kansas
15.3 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 6.7% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kansas
98.0
West Virginia
97.9
Median home value
Kansas
$238,700
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 28% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kansas
$861/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 25% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

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

Avg summer high
Kansas
89°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 5.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Kansas
21°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 19% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kansas
55°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 5.0% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kansas
217
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kansas
32 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 44% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Kansas
38
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 11% higher AQI
Snow / year
Kansas
16 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 144% more annual snowfall

Get the full KansasWest Virginia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia than Kansas?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.1 for Kansas — 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?

Kansas tops out at 5.58% income tax. West Virginia tops out at 4.82%.

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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