Movers

DC to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 311 mile interstate move from DC to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Half-smoke vs Pepperoni roll), real estate & housing (row houses, federal vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-smoke and Mumbo sauce wings, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni roll & Country ham
  • West Virginia housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in West Virginia is 58.36% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended DC to West Virginia movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to West Virginia

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited green space
  • High taxes
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Abundant nature
  • Lower taxes

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited transit options
  • Fewer job markets
  • Quieter social scene
DC iconDC
  • Diverse cultural scene
  • Public transportation
  • Employment opportunities
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from DC to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to West Virginia with less congestion
  • Swap the limited green space of DC for abundant nature in West Virginia
  • Get ready for lower taxes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from DC to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the diverse cultural scene in DC to live with fewer cultural events in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of public transportation and have to settle for the con of limited transit options
  • Time to bid farewell to employment opportunities and get used to fewer job markets in West Virginia
  • Swap vibrant nightlife for a quieter social scene

DC vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokePepperoni roll
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce wingsCountry ham
Most popular street food itemJumbo slice pizzaHot dogs with sauce
Most popular vegan foodPlant-based burgersMorel mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Zaytinya
  • The Pepperoni Grill
  • Two Dragons
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Pepperoni roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce wings and sumptuous Jumbo slice pizza, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country ham and Hot dogs with sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-based burgers 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 DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Zaytinya. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Pepperoni Grill, Two Dragons, and Tudor's Biscuit World.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and West Virginia

ComparisonDCWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleRow Houses, FederalColonial, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, Rooftop decksMountain views, Large yards
  • The Row Houses and Federal architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and rooftop decks, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and large yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased 37% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 58.36% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCWest Virginia
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsFloods, Landslides
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 71Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 30Β°F41Β°F / 26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40"45"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.4"33"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 19% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
  • The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 2 degrees colder than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 5 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and West Virginia

ComparisonDCWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$101,027$54,329
Cost of Living Index140.195
State Income Tax8.95%6.50%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%0.59%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%6.50%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, Health ServicesEnergy, Tourism, Forestry
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowHigher
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 46% less than those in DC
  • The COLI in West Virginia is 32% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in WV is 6.50% compared to 8.95% in DC
  • The affluence in West Virginia is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is higher in West Virginia compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in DC and lower in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. West Virginia

ComparisonDCWest Virginia
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesConservative policies
ReligionMulticultural, diverse religious practicesPrimarily Christian
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
  • West Virginia's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multicultural and diverse religious practices

Education Guide When Moving from DC to West Virginia

ComparisonDCWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJanney Elementary
Eaton Elementary
Mann Elementary
North Elementary (Morgantown)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
C.W. Shipley Elementary (Harpers Ferry)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Alice Deal Junior High School
Winfield Middle School
Bridgeport Middle School
Suncrest Middle School
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool Without Walls High School
Benjamin Banneker High School
McKinley Technology High School
George Washington High School
Morgantown High School
Bridgeport High School
Top 3 private high schoolsGeorgetown Preparatory School
St. Anselm's Abbey School
Gonzaga College High School
The Linsly School
Greenbrier Episcopal School
Wheeling Country Day School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSidwell Friends School
Maret School
Georgetown Day School
Charleston Catholic High School
Mercy Baptist Academy
Parkersburg Catholic High School
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public SchoolsMonongalia County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Kanawha County Schools

How Much Do DC to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 311 miles from DC to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,379300 ft3$4.60
1 Bedroom$2,046450 ft3$4.55
2 Bedrooms$3,372750 ft3$4.50
3 Bedrooms$4,8911100 ft3$4.45
4 Bedrooms$7,0341600 ft3$4.40
5+ Bedrooms$7,8231800 ft3$4.35

Top DC to West Virginia Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best DC to West Virginia movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to West Virginia

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
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