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Moving from West Virginia to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

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.

IL state flag
Moving to

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

Illinois has an overall price level 100.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
West Virginia
89.5
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 12% higher overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 73% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.4
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 1.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 15% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.1% higher transportation
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 64% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$643/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 82% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
West Virginia
84°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 24% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
Illinois
52°F
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
Illinois
189
Illinois has 12% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 12% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
West Virginia
42
Illinois
40
Illinois has 4.8% lower AQI
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 51% less annual snowfall

Get the full West VirginiaIllinois 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 Illinois than West Virginia?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (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. Illinois tops out at 4.95%.

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

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

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