Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to VA
There are many factors that influence
West Virginia moving costs.
The cost to move from West Virginia to 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 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 VA
If you’re moving to Virginia from West Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Virginia
|
West Virginia |
Virginia |
| Average rent cost |
$899 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$168,172 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$55,217 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of Living Index |
90 |
0 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.2% |
2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.0% |
5.73% |
| State Income Tax |
6.5% |
5.75% |
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Rent is about 60% more expensive in Virginia than in West Virginia.
-
Home prices are about 134% higher in Virginia than in West Virginia.
-
The average income is about 58% higher in Virginia than in West Virginia.
-
Cost of living is 100% lower in Virginia than in West Virginia.
-
Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than West Virginia by about 31%.
-
Sales taxes are 4% lower in Virginia than in West Virginia.
-
Income taxes are 12% lower in Virginia than in West Virginia.
How life is different in Virginia vs. West Virginia
|
Virginia |
West Virginia |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
1,782,959 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
21ºF |
| Annual rain |
44" |
45" |
| Annual snow |
14" |
33" |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
17.47 |
-
The population of Virginia is approximately 389% greater than the population of West Virginia.
-
In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and West Virginia voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ºF
and in West Virginia, it’s 83ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ºF
and West Virginia gets down to 21ºF.
-
You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia versus 45 inches of rainfall in West Virginia.
-
In Virginia, it snows about 14 inches annually
versus 33 inches of snow in West Virginia.
-
Virginia has a higher crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index
of 19.3 vs. 17.47.
Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. Virginia
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Virginia compared to West Virginia.
| Pros of living in West Virginia |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Low cost of living |
Strong economy |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Beautiful scenery |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Immense natural beauty |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| Relaxed small cities and towns |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. 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 West Virginia for Virginia.
| Cons of living in West Virginia |
Cons of living in Virginia |
| Dismal economy |
High cost of living |
| High rates of crime |
Unpredictable weather |
| High rates of drug abuse |
Bad traffic congestion |
| Shrinking population |
Lack of public transportation |
| Lack of diversity |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to Virginia move
- Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
-
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 addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Virginia moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
Virginia 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 Virginia.
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.
In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
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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 Virginia
While you’re in Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Virginia Beach
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Busch Gardens
- The Natural Bridge
- Manassas National Battlefield Park
- Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
- George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive
- Richmond Canal Walk
- Luray Caverns
- Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Historic Jamestowne
- Maymont Park
- Nauticus
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Military Aviation Museum
- Virginia State Capitol
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from West Virginia to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from West Virginia to 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 West Virginia to Virginia
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to Virginia?
The main reasons people are moving from West Virginia to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia such as
strong economy and beautiful scenery.
Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or Virginia?
It is generally cheaper to live in West Virginia than in Virginia.
Housing
is much more affordable in West Virginia,
with average rent about 38% less
and home prices 57% lower than in Virginia.
However, taxes are lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 10% less than those paid by
West Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?
You should make approximately $72,647 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Virginia.
The cost of living in Virginia is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $4,783 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Virginia you live
For example, larger cities like Virginia Beach and Chesapeake will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
Best overall value
