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Moving from Minnesota to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

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
Minnesota
98.6
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 9.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 41% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 2.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 1.4% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 8.6% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 1.8% lower transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 50% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 43% 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
Minnesota
82°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 525% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 22% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 13% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 55% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Minnesota
39
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 7.7% higher AQI
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 15% less annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaWest 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 Minnesota?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota — 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?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% 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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