Factors affecting the cost of moving from WA to WV
There are many factors that influence
Washington moving costs.
The cost to move from Washington 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 Washington 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 WA to WV
If you’re moving to West Virginia from Washington, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Washington vs. West Virginia
|
Washington |
West Virginia |
| Average rent cost |
$1,900 |
$899 |
| Average home cost |
$588,856 |
$168,172 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$90,325 |
$55,217 |
| Cost of Living Index |
115 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.8% |
4.2% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.5% |
6.0% |
| State Income Tax |
0.0% |
6.5% |
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Rent is about 53% less expensive in West Virginia than in Washington.
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Home prices are about 71% lower in West Virginia than in Washington.
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The average income is about 39% lower in West Virginia than in Washington.
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Cost of living is 22% lower in West Virginia than in Washington.
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West Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Washington by about 13%.
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Sales taxes are 8% lower in West Virginia than in Washington.
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Income taxes are 7% higher in West Virginia than in Washington.
How life is different in West Virginia vs. Washington
|
West Virginia |
Washington |
| Population |
1,782,959 |
7,812,880 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 69-30 |
Democratic |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
79ºF |
| Winter low |
21ºF |
31ºF |
| Annual rain |
45" |
38" |
| Annual snow |
33" |
18" |
| Crime index |
17.47 |
37.32 |
-
The population of West Virginia is approximately 77% lower than the population of Washington.
-
In the last presidential election, West Virginia voted Republican and Washington voted Democratic.
-
The average high in the summertime in West Virginia is 83ºF
and in Washington, it’s 79ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, West Virginia reaches the temperature of 21ºF
and Washington gets down to 31ºF.
-
You can expect about 45 inches of annual rainfall in West Virginia versus 38 inches of rainfall in Washington.
-
In West Virginia, it snows about 33 inches annually
versus 18 inches of snow in Washington.
-
West Virginia has a lower crime rate than Washington with a crime index
of 17.47 vs. 37.32.
Comparing the pros of Washington 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 Washington.
| Pros of living in Washington |
Pros of living in West Virginia |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant outdoor activities |
| High quality of life |
4 distinct seasons of weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Immense natural beauty |
| Delicious seafood |
Relaxed small cities and towns |
Comparing the cons of living in Washington 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 Washington for West Virginia.
| Cons of living in Washington |
Cons of living in West Virginia |
| Constant rain |
Dismal economy |
| Bad traffic |
High rates of crime |
| High cost of living |
High rates of drug abuse |
| High crime rate |
Shrinking population |
| Natural disasters |
Lack of diversity |
Other things to consider for your Washington 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.
-
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.
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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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington to West Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from Washington to West Virginia?
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 Washington to West Virginia
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Washington to West Virginia?
The main reasons people are moving from Washington 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 Washington or West Virginia?
It is generally cheaper to live in West Virginia than in Washington.
Housing
is much more affordable in West Virginia,
with average rent about 53% less and home prices 71.4% lower than in Washington.
Washington has no income tax.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in West Virginia?
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
Washington moving services
Popular Washington routes
Best overall value
