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Moving from Tennessee to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

TN state flag
Living now

Tennessee

Capital: Nashville

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 30°F · 207 sunny days

Music capital, no income tax, Nashville housing surge.

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
Tennessee
91.9
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 2.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Tennessee
79.1
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 31% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.0
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.8
West Virginia
98.4
Electricity rate
Tennessee
15.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 8.6% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Tennessee
98.4
West Virginia
97.9
Median home value
Tennessee
$332,600
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 49% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Tennessee
$1,180/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 46% 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
Tennessee
89°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 5.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Tennessee
30°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 17% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Tennessee
58°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 10% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Tennessee
207
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 18% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Tennessee
54 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 15% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Tennessee
50
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 16% lower AQI
Snow / year
Tennessee
5 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 680% more annual snowfall

Get the full TennesseeWest 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 Tennessee?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 91.9 for Tennessee — 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?

Tennessee tops out at 0% 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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