Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Virginia to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 49% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 2.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 4.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 2.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 58% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 58% 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
Virginia
87°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 11% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 7.0% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 19% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 3.4% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Virginia
41
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 2.4% higher AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 160% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaWest 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 Virginia?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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