Moving to West Virginia? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of America and is known for its beautiful tree-covered mountains. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, with many houses still as they were back then, serving as living history museums.

If you are considering moving to West Virginia, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick West Virginia Facts:

Population: 1.7 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $47,000+ (2021)
Random Fact: Harpers Ferry in West Virginia was the site of an 1859 Civil War raid.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to West Virginia

State	Estimated Moving Cost to West Virginia
California	USD 3,500 – 5,500
Texas	USD 3,000 – 5,000
Florida	USD 2,500 – 4,500
New York	USD 2,000 – 4,000
Pennsylvania	USD 1,500 – 3,000
Illinois	USD 2,500 – 4,000
Ohio	USD 1,500 – 3,000
Georgia	USD 2,500 – 4,000
North Carolina	USD 1,500 – 2,500
Michigan	USD 2,000 – 3,500

These estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific requirements and services needed. For precise quotes, it’s best to contact moving companies directly.

2. West Virginia Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in West Virginia, US varies between uptown and downtown areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in West Virginia

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,100+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $900+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $1,300+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,000+

West Virginia Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in West Virginia compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 66.3% more expensive
New York is 76.7% more expensive
Los Angeles is 66.7% more expensive
Toronto is 52.5% more expensive
Sydney is 60.3% more expensive
Paris is 43.6% more expensive
Dubai is 52.6% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommates
Different Areas – Different Prices: Uptown locations, such as Charleston and Morgantown, generally have higher prices, featuring a mix of upscale apartments and desirable homes. Downtown areas like Huntington and Parkersburg offer a more affordable range of housing options.

3. West Virginia Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

West Virginia has a culinary scene that embraces comfort food and regional specialities. Food and drink trends include hearty dishes like pepperoni rolls, ramps, and Appalachian-inspired cuisine. The state is also known for its moonshine and craft beer production.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $27.50
Takeout Coffee: $3.60
Bottle of Coke: $1.50
1L of Milk: $0.60
Loaf of Bread: $2.10
12 Eggs: $5.00
1kg Chicken: $4.75
1kg Beef: $19.30
1kg Apples: $4.00
1kg White Rice: $7.80

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 14.8% more expensive than West Virginia.
New York restaurants are 16.5% more expensive than West Virginia.
Los Angeles restaurants are 14.9% more expensive than West Virginia.
Toronto restaurants are 11.4% cheaper than West Virginia.
Sydney restaurants are 6% cheaper than West Virginia.
Paris restaurants are 13.2% cheaper than West Virginia.
Dubai restaurants are 18.6% cheaper than West Virginia.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Farmers’ markets in West Virginia offer a variety of fresh produce, locally sourced products, and handmade crafts. There are both affordable supermarkets and more upscale options available, catering to different budget preferences across the state.
Find Cheap Eats: West Virginia has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. West Virginia Alcohol Costs

West Virginia, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $3.00
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $4.20
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $2.60
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $12.80

How To Drink For Less in West Virginia

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Yelp for Happy Hour information.

5. West Virginia Transportation Fares

Public transport in West Virginia, US primarily consists of bus services that connect major towns and cities. However, due to the state’s more rural nature, a car is often necessary for convenient travel within and between smaller communities.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $30.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. West Virginia likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in West Virginia

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in West Virginia, US is around 11 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is typically January, with temperatures averaging around -2 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month is July, with temperatures averaging around 23 degrees Celsius. The wettest month varies, but June often sees higher rainfall amounts.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $35.00
Summer Dress: $40.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $60.00
Business Shoes: $112.50
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.50
Gym Membership: $20.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $9.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in West Virginia

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in West Virginia. If you’re moving to West Virginia from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in West Virginia:

Volkswagen Golf: $17,900+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.89

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in West Virginia

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in West Virginia

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax in West Virginia, US is 6%, with an additional local sales tax ranging from 0% to 1%. It is important to note that sales tax rates can vary slightly between different cities and counties within the state.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in West Virginia at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in West Virginia you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from West Virginia

If you do make the move to West Virginia, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $775
New York: $150
Los Angeles: $370
Toronto: $265
Vancouver: $380
Dubai: $960
Sydney: $1,500
Melbourne: $970
Cape Town: $1,275
Hong Kong: $1,200

Other Tips on Moving to West Virginia

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in West Virginia but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to West Virginia Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in West Virginia.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: West Virginia always has something going on. Have a look at West Virginia Tourism.

12. Moving to West Virginia with a Family

West Virginia, US is generally considered a family-friendly location, offering a close-knit community feel and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. The crime rate varies across different areas, but overall, the state has lower crime rates compared to national averages.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at WVU’s maternity page.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: One of the most family-friendly areas to live in West Virginia, US is Morgantown. It is home to West Virginia University, which offers a range of amenities, excellent schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in West Virginia. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to West Virginia for Work

While it is possible to move to West Virginia without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in West Virginia, US include coal mining, energy production, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. The unemployment rate in West Virginia is approximately 5.7%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to West Virginia, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to West Virginia from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in West Virginia, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Tasmania is around the same size as West Virginia.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in West Virginia that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to West Virginia from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in West Virginia. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Nova Scotia is just slightly larger than West Virginia.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to West Virginia from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in West Virginia. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: West Virginia is 50% of the size of the entire United Kingdom.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in West Virginia, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to West Virginia you can start by comparing moving quotes here.