Factors affecting the cost of moving from CT to WVtoggle

There are many factors that influence Connecticut moving costs. The cost to move from Connecticut to West Virginia will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Connecticut is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from CT to WV

If you’re moving to West Virginia from Connecticut, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Connecticut vs. West Virginia

Connecticut West Virginia
Average rent cost $1,374 $899
Average home cost $405,595 $168,172
Average income (per capita) $90,213 $55,217
Cost of Living Index 100 90
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 6.35% 6.0%
State Income Tax 3.0% 6.5%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 35% less expensive in West Virginia than in Connecticut.
  • Home prices are about 59% lower in West Virginia than in Connecticut.
  • The average income is about 39% lower in West Virginia than in Connecticut.
  • Cost of living is 10% lower in West Virginia than in Connecticut.
  • West Virginia has a higher unemployment rate than Connecticut by about 40%.
  • Sales taxes are 6% lower in West Virginia than in Connecticut.
  • Income taxes are 117% higher in West Virginia than in Connecticut.

How life is different in West Virginia vs. Connecticut

West Virginia Connecticut
Population 1,782,959 3,617,176
Political leaning Republican 69-30 Democratic 56-44
Summer high 83ºF 83ºF
Winter low 21ºF 18ºF
Annual rain 45" 50"
Annual snow 33" 37"
Crime index 17.47 16.44
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of West Virginia is approximately 51% lower than the population of Connecticut.
  • In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and Connecticut voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF and in Connecticut, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF and Connecticut gets down to 18ºF.
  • You can expect about 45 inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus 50 inches of rainfall in Connecticut.
  • In West Virginia, it snows about 33 inches annually versus 37 inches of snow in Connecticut.
  • West Virginia has a higher crime rate than Connecticut with a crime index of 17.47 vs. 16.44.

Comparing the pros of Connecticut vs. West Virginia

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in West Virginia compared to Connecticut.

Pros of living in Connecticut Pros of living in West Virginia
Natural beauty Low cost of living
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant outdoor activities
Diverse lifestyle options 4 distinct seasons of weather
Great outdoor environment Immense natural beauty
Amiable small communities Relaxed small cities and towns

Comparing the cons of living in Connecticut vs. West Virginia

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Connecticut for West Virginia.

Cons of living in Connecticut Cons of living in West Virginia
High cost of living Dismal economy
Tough winter weather High rates of crime
Bad traffic High rates of drug abuse
Heavy tax burdens Shrinking population
Low job opportunity Lack of diversity

Other things to consider for your Connecticut to West Virginia movetoggle

  • Weather: West Virginia has warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters. Be sure to check the weather during your move to avoid inclement weather.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: In the Mountaineer State, the state’s Public Service Commission oversees local and intrastate movers. The commission strives to support and promote the interests of both businesses and consumers, and those interested in hiring an in-state mover can browse the Commission’s Regulated Motor Carrier Database to verify that they’re reputable businesses in good standing. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a West Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to West Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. When relocating in West Virginia, prioritize movers' insurance for comprehensive coverage. Many movers provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection by exploring Full Value Protection options with the moving company or considering tailored plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your West Virginia state moving insurance, ensuring a secure and stress-free relocation experience.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in West Virginiatoggle

While you’re in West Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
  • Snowshoe Mountain
  • West Virginia State Penitentiary
  • Seneca Caverns
  • New River Gorge Bridge
  • West Virginia State Capitol
  • Summersville Lake
  • Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
  • Stonewall Jackson Lake Resort
  • Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Seneca Rocks State Park
  • The Greenbrier
  • Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
  • Monongahela National Forest
  • Coopers Rock State Forest
  • Hawks Nest State Park
  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • Green Bank Observatory
  • Mothman Museum
  • Charleston Capitol Market
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Connecticut to West Virginia?toggle

Hiring a full-service Connecticut moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Connecticut to West Virginia?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Connecticut to West Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Connecticut to West Virginia?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Connecticut to West Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in West Virginia such as low cost of living and abundant outdoor activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or West Virginia?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in West Virginia than in Connecticut. Housing is much more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 35% less and home prices 58.5% lower than in Connecticut. However, taxes are lower in Connecticut, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in West Virginia?toggle

You should make approximately $51,250 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in West Virginia. The cost of living in West Virginia is approximately $2,087 per month for an individual and $4,672 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in West Virginia you live For example, larger cities like Charleston and Huntington will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

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