Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from West Virginia to Montana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

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.

MT state flag
Moving to

Montana

Capital: Helena

Median household income $67,631 · winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days

Big sky, no sales tax, rapidly gentrifying small towns.

Montana has an overall price level 94.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
West Virginia
89.5
Montana
94.6
Montana has 5.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
Montana
84.6
Montana has 56% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.4
Montana
98.7
Montana has 1.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
Montana
99.2
Montana has 0.8% higher utilities
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
Montana
13.5 ¢/kWh
Montana has 18% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
Montana
98.9
Montana has 1.1% higher transportation
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
Montana
$425,400
Montana is 149% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$643/mo
Montana
$933/mo
Montana is 45% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 83°F · Winter low 14°F · 205 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
West Virginia
84°F
Montana
83°F
Montana is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
Montana
14°F
Montana is 44% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
Montana
44°F
Montana is 16% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
Montana
205
Montana has 21% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
Montana
15 in
Montana is 67% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
West Virginia
42
Montana
42
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
Montana
51 in
Montana is 31% more annual snowfall

Get the full West VirginiaMontana 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 Montana than West Virginia?

Montana's overall price level is roughly 95 (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. Montana tops out at 5.65%.

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

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

Related comparisons