Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to WVtoggle

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 ND to WV

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

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. West Virginia

North Dakota West Virginia
Average rent cost $912 $899
Average home cost $263,410 $168,172
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $55,217
Cost of Living Index 96 90
Unemployment rate 2.4% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 6.0%
State Income Tax 2.9% 6.5%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 1% less expensive in West Virginia than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 36% lower in West Virginia than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 25% lower in West Virginia than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in West Virginia than in North Dakota.
  • West Virginia has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 75%.
  • Sales taxes are 14% lower in West Virginia than in North Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 124% higher in West Virginia than in North Dakota.

How life is different in West Virginia vs. North Dakota

West Virginia North Dakota
Population 1,782,959 783,926
Political leaning Republican 69-30 Republican 68-32
Summer high 83ºF 82ºF
Winter low 21ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 45" 19"
Annual snow 33" 39"
Crime index 17.47 22.74
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of West Virginia is approximately 127% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 45 inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In West Virginia, it snows about 33 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • West Virginia has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 17.47 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota 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 North Dakota.

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in West Virginia
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Peaceful rural life Abundant outdoor activities
Affordable living costs 4 distinct seasons of weather
High-quality education opportunities Immense natural beauty
Open rural spaces Relaxed small cities and towns

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota 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 North Dakota for West Virginia.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in West Virginia
Long and cold winters Dismal economy
Lack of diversity High rates of crime
Housing shortages High rates of drug abuse
Small populations Shrinking population
Relaxed lifestyle Lack of diversity

Other things to consider for your North Dakota 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 North Dakota to West Virginia?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota to West Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota 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 North Dakota or West Virginia?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in West Virginia than in North Dakota. Housing is much more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 1% less and home prices 36.2% lower than in North Dakota. However, taxes are lower in North Dakota, 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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