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Moving from Louisiana to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

LA state flag
Living now

Louisiana

Capital: Baton Rouge

Median household income $57,852 · winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days

Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

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
Louisiana
88.2
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 1.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Louisiana
63.1
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 14% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.1
West Virginia
97.4
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 16% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.6
West Virginia
97.9
Median home value
Louisiana
$223,200
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 23% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Louisiana
$932/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 31% 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
Louisiana
92°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 8.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Louisiana
41°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 39% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Louisiana
67°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 22% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Louisiana
216
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Louisiana
60 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 24% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Louisiana
76
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 45% lower AQI
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
West Virginia
39 in

Get the full LouisianaWest Virginia report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia than Louisiana?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.6 for Louisiana — 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?

Louisiana tops out at 3% 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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