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Moving from West Virginia to Idaho

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

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.

ID state flag
Moving to

Idaho

Capital: Boise

Median household income $70,214 · winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days

Boise tech migration, mountains, conservative.

Idaho has an overall price level 95.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
West Virginia
89.5
Idaho
95.5
Idaho has 6.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
Idaho
90.0
Idaho has 66% higher housing costs
Groceries index
West Virginia
96.5
Idaho
96.3
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
Idaho
99.3
Idaho has 0.9% higher utilities
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.1 ¢/kWh
Idaho
12.7 ¢/kWh
Idaho has 21% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
Idaho
99.1
Idaho has 1.2% higher transportation
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
Idaho
$446,400
Idaho is 161% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$883/mo
Idaho
$1,384/mo
Idaho is 57% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 22°F · 199 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
West Virginia
84°F
Idaho
87°F
Idaho is 3.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
Idaho
22°F
Idaho is 12% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
Idaho
46°F
Idaho is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
Idaho
199
Idaho has 18% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
Idaho
17 in
Idaho is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
West Virginia
42
Idaho
24
Idaho has 43% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
West Virginia
0
Idaho
12
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
Idaho
51 in
Idaho is 31% more annual snowfall

Get the full West VirginiaIdaho 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 Idaho than West Virginia?

Idaho's overall price level is roughly 92.8 (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 4.58% income tax. Idaho tops out at 5.3%.

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

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

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