Factors affecting the cost of moving from SC to WV
There are many factors that influence
South Carolina moving costs.
The cost to move from South Carolina to West Virginia will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in South Carolina 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 SC to WV
If you’re moving to West Virginia from South Carolina, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: South Carolina vs. West Virginia
|
South Carolina |
West Virginia |
| Average rent cost |
$1,065 |
$899 |
| Average home cost |
$295,769 |
$168,172 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$63,623 |
$55,217 |
| Cost of Living Index |
96 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
4.2% |
| Average Sales Tax |
7.46% |
6.0% |
| State Income Tax |
7.0% |
6.5% |
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Rent is about 16% less expensive in West Virginia than in South Carolina.
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Home prices are about 43% lower in West Virginia than in South Carolina.
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The average income is about 13% lower in West Virginia than in South Carolina.
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Cost of living is 6% lower in West Virginia than in South Carolina.
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West Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than South Carolina by about 11%.
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Sales taxes are 20% lower in West Virginia than in South Carolina.
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Income taxes are 7% lower in West Virginia than in South Carolina.
How life is different in West Virginia vs. South Carolina
|
West Virginia |
South Carolina |
| Population |
1,782,959 |
5,373,555 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 69-30 |
Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
21ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
45" |
48" |
| Annual snow |
33" |
1" |
| Crime index |
17.47 |
28.0 |
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The population of West Virginia is approximately 67% lower than the population of South Carolina.
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In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and South Carolina voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF
and in South Carolina, it’s 91ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF
and South Carolina gets down to 33ºF.
-
You can expect about 45 inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus 48 inches of rainfall in South Carolina.
-
In West Virginia, it snows about 33 inches annually
versus 1 inch of snow in South Carolina.
-
West Virginia has a lower crime rate than South Carolina with a crime index
of 17.47 vs. 28.0.
Comparing the pros of South Carolina 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 South Carolina.
| Pros of living in South Carolina |
Pros of living in West Virginia |
| Warm southern hospitality |
Low cost of living |
| Plentiful outdoor activities |
Abundant outdoor activities |
| Beautiful landscapes |
4 distinct seasons of weather |
| Consistently gorgeous weather |
Immense natural beauty |
| Rich historical significance |
Relaxed small cities and towns |
Comparing the cons of living in South Carolina 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 South Carolina for West Virginia.
| Cons of living in South Carolina |
Cons of living in West Virginia |
| High cost of living |
Dismal economy |
| Hurricane frequency |
High rates of crime |
| Low quality of healthcare |
High rates of drug abuse |
| High taxes |
Shrinking population |
| Abundance of construction |
Lack of diversity |
Other things to consider for your South Carolina to West Virginia move
- 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.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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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.
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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.
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State regulator:
You can verify a West Virginia moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
West Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in West Virginia
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
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
Best overall value
