Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to MStoggle

There are many factors that influence West Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from West Virginia to Mississippi 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 West 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 WV to MS

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

Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Mississippi

West Virginia Mississippi
Average rent cost $899 $896
Average home cost $168,172 $181,313
Average income (per capita) $55,217 $68,505
Cost of Living Index 90 85
Unemployment rate 4.2% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 7.0%
State Income Tax 6.5% 4.7%
  • Rent is about the same cost in Mississippi and West Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 8% higher in Mississippi than in West Virginia.
  • The average income is about 24% higher in Mississippi than in West Virginia.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in Mississippi than in West Virginia.
  • Mississippi has a lower unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 31%.
  • Sales taxes are 17% higher in Mississippi than in West Virginia.
  • Income taxes are 28% lower in Mississippi than in West Virginia.

How life is different in Mississippi vs. West Virginia

Mississippi West Virginia
Population 10,037,261 1,782,959
Political leaning Republican 60.9-38 Republican 69-30
Summer high 91ºF 83ºF
Winter low 33ºF 21ºF
Annual rain 57" 45"
Annual snow 1" 33"
Crime index 19.92 17.47
  • The population of Mississippi is approximately 463% greater than the population of West Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Mississippi voted Republican and West Virginia voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Mississippi is 91ºF and in West Virginia, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Mississippi reaches the temperature of 33ºF and West Virginia gets down to 21ºF.
  • You can expect about 57 inches of annual rainfall in Mississippi versus 45 inches of rainfall in West Virginia.
  • In Mississippi, it snows about 1 inch annually versus 33 inches of snow in West Virginia.
  • Mississippi has a higher crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index of 19.92 vs. 17.47.

Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. Mississippi

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

Pros of living in West Virginia Pros of living in Mississippi
Low cost of living Southern hospitality
Abundant outdoor activities Delicious comfort food
4 distinct seasons of weather Mild winters
Immense natural beauty Low cost of living
Relaxed small cities and towns Nice beaches

Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. Mississippi

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 West Virginia for Mississippi.

Cons of living in West Virginia Cons of living in Mississippi
Dismal economy Extreme weather
High rates of crime Lackluster economy
High rates of drug abuse Low diversity
Shrinking population Poor healthcare
Lack of diversity Political homogeneity

Other things to consider for your West Virginia to Mississippi movetoggle

  • Weather: Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature varies little statewide in the summer; however, in winter, the region near Mississippi Sound is significantly warmer than the inland portion of the state. The late summer and fall is the seasonal period of risk for hurricanes moving inland from the Gulf of Mexico, especially in the southern part of the state. As in the rest of the Deep South, thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state. On average, Mississippi has around 27 tornadoes annually; the northern part of the state has more tornadoes earlier in the year and the southern part has a higher frequency later in the year. If you are planning your move during the summertime be sure to check your local weather station.
  • 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: Like in many other states, movers in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). When considering hiring a local mover, you’ll want to check that they have an up-to-date MSPC Number. If they do, it means that they’re authorized to move household goods within the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Mississippi moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Mississippi 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 Mississippi. 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. Released Value Protection is the cost-free choice provided by movers, but it offers minimal coverage. Movers are only responsible for up to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items, consider exploring alternative options with your chosen moving company or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Mississippitoggle

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

  • 1: Vicksburg National Military Park
  • 2: Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
  • 3: Natchez Trace Parkway
  • 4: Gulf Coast Beaches & Water Activities
  • 5: Jackson Zoological Park
  • 6: Gulf Islands Waterpark
  • 7: Elvis Presley's Birthplace
  • 8: Tupelo National Battlefield
  • 9: Marine Life Oceanarium
  • 10: Riley Center

FAQs

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

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

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

The main reasons people are moving from West Virginia to Mississippi are the amazing upsides of living in Mississippi such as southern hospitality and delicious comfort food.

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

It is generally cheaper to live in Mississippi than in West Virginia. Housing is more affordable in West Virginia, with average rent about 0% less and home prices 7% lower than in Mississippi. However, taxes are lower in Mississippi, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.

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

You should make approximately $51,946 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Mississippi. The cost of living in Mississippi is approximately $2,364 per month for an individual and $5,375 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Mississippi you live For example, larger cities like Jackson and Gulfport will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources