Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to WY
There are many factors that influence
Virginia moving costs.
The cost to move from Virginia to Wyoming 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 Virginia 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 VA to WY
If you’re moving to Wyoming from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. Wyoming
|
Virginia |
Wyoming |
| Average rent cost |
$1,440 |
$1,100 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$354,108 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$72,495 |
| Cost of Living Index |
0 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
5.73% |
5.33% |
| State Income Tax |
5.75% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 24% less expensive in Wyoming than in Virginia.
-
Home prices are about 10% lower in Wyoming than in Virginia.
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The average income is about 17% lower in Wyoming than in Virginia.
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Cost of living is inf% lower in Wyoming than in Virginia.
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Wyoming and Virginia have about the same unemployment rate.
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Sales taxes are 7% lower in Wyoming than in Virginia.
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Wyoming has no income tax.
How life is different in Wyoming vs. Virginia
|
Wyoming |
Virginia |
| Population |
584,057 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 70-27 |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
13" |
44" |
| Annual snow |
56" |
14" |
| Crime index |
18.39 |
19.3 |
-
The population of Wyoming is approximately 93% lower than the population of Virginia.
-
In the last presidential election, Wyoming voted Republican and Virginia voted Democratic.
-
The average high in the summertime in Wyoming is 85ºF
and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Wyoming reaches the temperature of 10ºF
and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
-
You can expect about 13 inches of annual rainfall in Wyoming versus 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
-
In Wyoming, it snows about 56 inches annually
versus 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
-
Wyoming has a lower crime rate than Virginia with a crime index
of 18.39 vs. 19.3.
Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Wyoming
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Wyoming compared to Virginia.
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in Wyoming |
| Strong economy |
Abundant natural beauty |
| Beautiful scenery |
Outdoor recreation |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
Peaceful |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Low state tax burden |
| Strong military presence |
Delicious western food |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Wyoming
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 Virginia for Wyoming.
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in Wyoming |
| High cost of living |
Severe weather conditions |
| Unpredictable weather |
Remote |
| Bad traffic congestion |
Lack of diversity |
| Lack of public transportation |
Lack of urbanization |
| Air noise pollution |
No professional sports teams |
Other things to consider for your Virginia to Wyoming move
- Weather: Wyoming is drier and windier in comparison to most of the United States. Summers in Wyoming are warm but the night's cooldown on average to 50-60 degrees, while the winters are cold. The southeastern portion of the state is vulnerable to tornadoes. Be sure to check your local weather station before planning 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:
Wyoming mandates that all moving companies secure a license for the state. They must acquire an official letter of intrastate control from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). The license gives them permission to carry clients or belongings and pay for these services in the state. Moving companies need to fulfill insurance and finish all WY required forms. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Wyoming moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
Wyoming 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 Wyoming.
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 planning a move in Wyoming, prioritize comprehensive movers' insurance for added protection. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your coverage by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wyoming state moving insurance. Secure your move with the right insurance coverage for a 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 Wyoming
While you’re in Wyoming, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Devil's Tower National Monument
- Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- Hot Springs State Park
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
- Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
- Fossil Butte National Monument
- Teton Village
- University of Wyoming Geological Museum
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to Wyoming?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Wyoming?
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 Virginia to Wyoming
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Wyoming?
The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Wyoming are the amazing upsides of living in Wyoming such as
abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Wyoming?
It is generally cheaper to live in Virginia than in Wyoming.
Housing
is more affordable in Wyoming,
with average rent about 24% less and home prices 9.8% lower than in Virginia.
Wyoming has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Wyoming?
You should make approximately $64,979 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Wyoming.
The cost of living in Wyoming is approximately $2,338 per month for an individual and $5,081 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Wyoming you live
For example, larger cities like Cheyenne and Casper will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Best overall value
