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Moving from North Dakota to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

ND state flag
Living now

North Dakota

Capital: Bismarck

Median household income $73,959 · winter low 0°F · 211 sunny days

Energy boom, lowest unemployment, harshest winters.

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
North Dakota
89.0
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 0.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
North Dakota
71.4
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 24% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.2
West Virginia
97.4
Utilities index (modeled)
North Dakota
98.3
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
North Dakota
12 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 37% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
North Dakota
97.8
West Virginia
97.9
Median home value
North Dakota
$266,100
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 36% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
North Dakota
$833/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 23% 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
North Dakota
84°F
West Virginia
84°F
Avg winter low
North Dakota
0°F
West Virginia
25°F
Avg annual temperature
North Dakota
41°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 25% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
North Dakota
211
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 20% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
North Dakota
18 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 149% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
North Dakota
42
West Virginia
42
Snow / year
North Dakota
39 in
West Virginia
39 in

Get the full North DakotaWest 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 North Dakota?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 92.4 for North Dakota — 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?

North Dakota tops out at 2.5% 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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