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Moving from Pennsylvania to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

PA state flag
Living now

Pennsylvania

Capital: Harrisburg

Median household income $73,170 · winter low 22°F · 179 sunny days

Philly + Pittsburgh + everything between, flat income tax.

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
Pennsylvania
97.6
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 8.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Pennsylvania
85.1
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 36% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.4
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 2.0% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.6
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Pennsylvania
20.9 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 22% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Pennsylvania
99.5
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 1.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Pennsylvania
$277,600
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 38% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Pennsylvania
$1,064/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 40% 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
Pennsylvania
85°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Pennsylvania
22°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 14% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Pennsylvania
50°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 4.2% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Pennsylvania
179
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 5.6% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Pennsylvania
44 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 4.6% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Pennsylvania
40
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Pennsylvania
43 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 9.3% less annual snowfall

Get the full PennsylvaniaWest 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 Pennsylvania?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.8 for Pennsylvania — 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?

Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% 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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