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Moving from Wisconsin to West Virginia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

WV state flag
Moving to

West Virginia

Capital: Charleston

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

Mountains, low housing costs, ongoing economic transition.

West Virginia has an overall price level 89.5 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wisconsin
94.1
West Virginia
89.5
West Virginia has 4.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
West Virginia
54.2
West Virginia has 32% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
West Virginia
97.4
West Virginia has 1.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
West Virginia
98.4
West Virginia has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
West Virginia
16.4 ¢/kWh
West Virginia has 13% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
West Virginia
97.9
West Virginia has 0.9% lower transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
West Virginia
$170,800
West Virginia is 42% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
West Virginia
$643/mo
West Virginia is 35% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 25°F · 169 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
West Virginia
84°F
West Virginia is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
West Virginia
25°F
West Virginia is 178% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
West Virginia
52°F
West Virginia is 17% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
West Virginia
169
West Virginia has 10% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
West Virginia
46 in
West Virginia is 37% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Wisconsin
40
West Virginia
42
West Virginia has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
West Virginia
39 in
West Virginia is 22% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinWest Virginia 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 West Virginia than Wisconsin?

West Virginia's overall price level is roughly 88.6 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin — 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% income tax. West Virginia tops out at 4.82%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in West Virginia?

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

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