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Moving from Maine to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

ME state flag
Living now

Maine

Capital: Augusta

Median household income $71,773 · winter low 11°F · 196 sunny days

Lowest crime in US, lobster, aging population.

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
Maine
97.0
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 7.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Maine
78.9
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Maine
99.3
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 1.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Maine
99.6
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 1.1% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Maine
28.3 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 42% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Maine
99.4
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 1.5% lower transportation
Median home value
Maine
$341,900
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 50% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Maine
$905/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 29% 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
Maine
79°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 6.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Maine
11°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 127% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Maine
43°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 22% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Maine
196
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 14% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Maine
45 in
West Virginia
46 in
Air quality (est. AQI)
Maine
33
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 27% higher AQI
Snow / year
Maine
81 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 52% less annual snowfall

Get the full MaineWest 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 Maine?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.5 for Maine — 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?

Maine tops out at 7.15% 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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