California to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to West Virginia

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Overcrowded cities
• Wildfires

ProsWest Virginia

• Affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• Small-town charm
• Lush landscapes

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West Virginia

• Varied weather
• Fewer cultural events
• No ocean beaches
• Limited tech industry

California

• Mild climate
• Diverse culture
• Coastal access
• Tech job opportunities

Pros of moving from California to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to West Virginia with less crowded roads
• Swap the overcrowded cities of California for small-town charm in West Virginia
• Get ready for lush landscapes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from California to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with varied weather in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural events
• Time to bid farewell to coastal access and get used to the absence of ocean beaches in West Virginia
• Swap tech job opportunities for a limited tech industry

California vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Tacos, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Morel Mushrooms of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, n/naka, and In-N-Out Burger. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Country Club Bakery, Pat & Marion’s Country Kitchen, and Tudor’s Biscuit World.

When comparing lifestyles, West Virginia shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in West Virginia, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in West Virginia.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and West Virginia

• The Modern and Spanish Revival architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the beach and solar panels, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large land plots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than California.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than California.
• West Virginia housing costs are 79% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior five years, home prices in West Virginia have increased 37% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in West Virginia is 63.35% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and West Virginia

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 42% fewer sunshine days than California.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is the same as in California.
• The average winter lows are 22 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 23 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 41% less than those in California
• The COLI in West Virginia is 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in West Virginia is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. West Virginia

• California tends to lean largely Democratic in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as majority Christian with traditional values
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a higher percentage of non-religious individuals

Education Guide When Moving from California to West Virginia

How Much Do California to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 2,547 miles from California to West Virginia will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.