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Moving from South Carolina to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

SC state flag
Living now

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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
South Carolina
93.7
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 4.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
South Carolina
80.5
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 33% lower housing costs
Groceries index
South Carolina
96.3
West Virginia
96.5
Utilities index (modeled)
South Carolina
99.1
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 0.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 5.9% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
South Carolina
98.7
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
South Carolina
$299,500
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 43% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
West Virginia
$883/mo
West Virginia is 31% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
South Carolina
91°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 7.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
South Carolina
33°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 24% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
South Carolina
63°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 17% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
South Carolina
216
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
South Carolina
48 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 6.0% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
South Carolina
37
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 14% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
South Carolina
2
West Virginia
0
West Virginia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
South Carolina
1 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 3800% more annual snowfall

Get the full South CarolinaWest Virginia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia than South Carolina?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 94.6 for South Carolina, 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?

South Carolina tops out at 5.21% income tax. West Virginia tops out at 4.58%.

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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