Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Montana to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

MT state flag
Living now

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small 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
Montana
94.6
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 5.4% lower overall price level
Housing index
Montana
84.6
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 36% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Montana
98.7
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 1.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Montana
99.2
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 21% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Montana
98.9
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Montana
$425,400
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 60% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Montana
$933/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
Montana
83°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Montana
14°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 79% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Montana
44°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 19% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Montana
205
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 18% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Montana
15 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 199% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Montana
42
West Virginia
42
Snow / year
Montana
51 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 24% less annual snowfall

Get the full MontanaWest 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 Montana?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 95 for Montana — 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?

Montana tops out at 5.65% 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.

Related comparisons