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Moving from West Virginia to South Carolina

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition. vs. Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

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.

SC state flag
Moving to

South Carolina

Capital: Columbia

Median household income $63,623 · winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days

Beaches, BMW + Boeing manufacturing, retiree influx.

South Carolina has an overall price level 93.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
West Virginia
89.5
South Carolina
93.7
South Carolina has 4.8% higher overall price level
Housing index
West Virginia
54.2
South Carolina
80.5
South Carolina has 48% higher housing costs
Groceries index
West Virginia
96.5
South Carolina
96.3
Utilities index (modeled)
West Virginia
98.4
South Carolina
99.1
South Carolina has 0.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
West Virginia
16.1 ¢/kWh
South Carolina
17.1 ¢/kWh
South Carolina has 6.2% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
West Virginia
97.9
South Carolina
98.7
South Carolina has 0.9% higher transportation
Median home value
West Virginia
$170,800
South Carolina
$299,500
South Carolina is 75% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
West Virginia
$883/mo
South Carolina
$1,272/mo
South Carolina is 44% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 33°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
West Virginia
84°F
South Carolina
91°F
South Carolina is 8.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
West Virginia
25°F
South Carolina
33°F
South Carolina is 32% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
West Virginia
52°F
South Carolina
63°F
South Carolina is 21% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
West Virginia
169
South Carolina
216
South Carolina has 28% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
West Virginia
46 in
South Carolina
48 in
South Carolina is 6.4% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
West Virginia
42
South Carolina
37
South Carolina has 12% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
West Virginia
0
South Carolina
2
Snow / year
West Virginia
39 in
South Carolina
1 in
South Carolina is 97% less annual snowfall

Get the full West VirginiaSouth Carolina 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 South Carolina than West Virginia?

South Carolina's overall price level is roughly 94.6 (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. South Carolina tops out at 5.21%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in South Carolina?

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

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