Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to WY
There are many factors that influence
West Virginia moving costs.
The cost to move from West 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 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 WY
If you’re moving to Wyoming from West Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Wyoming
|
West Virginia |
Wyoming |
| Average rent cost |
$899 |
$1,100 |
| Average home cost |
$168,172 |
$354,108 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$55,217 |
$72,495 |
| Cost of Living Index |
90 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.2% |
2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.0% |
5.33% |
| State Income Tax |
6.5% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 22% more expensive in Wyoming than in West Virginia.
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Home prices are about 111% higher in Wyoming than in West Virginia.
-
The average income is about 31% higher in Wyoming than in West Virginia.
-
Cost of living is 2% lower in Wyoming than in West Virginia.
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Wyoming has a lower unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 31%.
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Sales taxes are 11% lower in Wyoming than in West Virginia.
-
Wyoming has no income tax.
How life is different in Wyoming vs. West Virginia
|
Wyoming |
West Virginia |
| Population |
584,057 |
1,782,959 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 70-27 |
Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
21ºF |
| Annual rain |
13" |
45" |
| Annual snow |
56" |
33" |
| Crime index |
18.39 |
17.47 |
-
The population of Wyoming is approximately 67% lower than the population of West Virginia.
-
In the last presidential election, Wyoming voted Republican and West Virginia voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Wyoming is 85ºF
and in West Virginia, it’s 83ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Wyoming reaches the temperature of 10ºF
and West Virginia gets down to 21ºF.
-
You can expect about 13 inches of annual rainfall in Wyoming versus 45 inches of rainfall in West Virginia.
-
In Wyoming, it snows about 56 inches annually
versus 33 inches of snow in West Virginia.
-
Wyoming has a higher crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index
of 18.39 vs. 17.47.
Comparing the pros of West 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 West Virginia.
| Pros of living in West Virginia |
Pros of living in Wyoming |
| Low cost of living |
Abundant natural beauty |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Outdoor recreation |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather |
Peaceful |
| Immense natural beauty |
Low state tax burden |
| Relaxed small cities and towns |
Delicious western food |
Comparing the cons of living in West 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 West Virginia for Wyoming.
| Cons of living in West Virginia |
Cons of living in Wyoming |
| Dismal economy |
Severe weather conditions |
| High rates of crime |
Remote |
| High rates of drug abuse |
Lack of diversity |
| Shrinking population |
Lack of urbanization |
| Lack of diversity |
No professional sports teams |
Other things to consider for your West 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.
-
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 West Virginia to Wyoming?
Do movers transport your car from West 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 West Virginia to Wyoming
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to Wyoming?
The main reasons people are moving from West 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 West Virginia or Wyoming?
It is generally cheaper to live in West Virginia than in Wyoming.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in West Virginia,
with average rent about 18% less
and home prices 53% lower than in Wyoming.
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
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
Best overall value
