Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from West Virginia to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

WV state flag
Living now

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

Median household income $55,217 · winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
West Virginia
89.5
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 0.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 14% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.4
Alabama
97.2
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
Alabama
98.3
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 4.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
Alabama
97.8
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 37% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$643/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 38% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
West Virginia
84°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 8.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 40% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 21% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
Alabama
213
Alabama has 26% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 22% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
West Virginia
42
Alabama
42
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 97% less annual snowfall

Get the full West VirginiaAlabama 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 Alabama than West Virginia?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 88.6 for West 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?

West Virginia tops out at 4.82% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alabama?

Most Alabama residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons