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Moving from Mississippi to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

MS state flag
Living now

Mississippi

Capital: Jackson

Median household income $52,985 · winter low 36°F · 213 sunny days

Cheapest housing in US, deep South culture, low incomes.

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
Mississippi
87.0
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 2.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Mississippi
56.5
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 3.9% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Mississippi
96.7
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 0.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Mississippi
98.0
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
Mississippi
16.3 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
Transportation index (modeled)
Mississippi
97.4
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 0.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Mississippi
$186,500
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 8.4% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Mississippi
$829/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 22% 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
Mississippi
92°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 8.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Mississippi
36°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 31% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Mississippi
64°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 18% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Mississippi
213
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 21% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Mississippi
58 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 21% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Mississippi
42
West Virginia
42
Snow / year
Mississippi
1 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 3800% more annual snowfall

Get the full MississippiWest 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 Mississippi?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 86.4 for Mississippi — 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?

Mississippi tops out at 4% 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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