Movers

Idaho to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 2,214 mile interstate move from Idaho to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Idaho vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Idaho Potatoes vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (modern and ranch vs colonial and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Idaho Potatoes and Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & Venison
  • West Virginia housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Idaho
  • Rent in West Virginia is 38.15% more affordable than in Idaho
  • Moving from Idaho to West Virginia will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Idaho to West Virginia movers is 208 Moving Company

Idaho to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Idaho to West Virginia

ConsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Remote location
  • High elevation
  • Expensive housing
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Milder climate
  • Growing job market
  • Central East Coast access
  • Lower elevation
  • Affordable housing

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Less varied geography
  • Denser population
  • Limited adventure sports
  • Fewer community events
  • More processed foods
Idaho iconIdaho
  • Stunning landscapes
  • Less crowded
  • Outdoor activities
  • Strong community
  • Quality local produce

Pros of moving from Idaho to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to West Virginia with a growing job market
  • Swap the remote location of Idaho for central East Coast access in West Virginia
  • Get ready for a lower elevation in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Idaho to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from stunning landscapes in Idaho to live with less varied geography in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of less crowded living and have to settle with the con of a denser population
  • Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to limited adventure sports in West Virginia
  • Swap a strong community for fewer community events

Idaho vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIdahoWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemIdaho PotatoesPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishTroutVenison
Most popular street food itemFinger SteaksHot Dogs (with chili)
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladMorel Mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Fork
  • State & Lemp
  • Westside Drive-In
  • Pies & Pints
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • The Blennerhassett
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Idaho to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Idaho Potatoes of Idaho for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Idaho rave about their flavorful Trout and sumptuous Finger Steaks, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Venison and Hot Dogs (with chili) to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad 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 Idaho eateries like Fork, State & Lemp, and Westside Drive-In. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Pies & Pints, Tudor's Biscuit World, and The Blennerhassett.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Idaho and West Virginia

ComparisonIdahoWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleModern and RanchColonial and Craftsman
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 listingScenic Views, Open SpacesHistoric Charm, Small-Town Feel
  • The Modern and Ranch architecture that Idaho is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to Idaho's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and open spaces, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like historic charm and a small-town feel.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; West Virginia is more walkable than Idaho.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Idaho.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Idaho.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Idaho, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Idaho’s $451,298.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 69% increase in Idaho.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 38.15% more affordable than in Idaho.

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

ComparisonIdahoWest 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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsFloods, Landslides
Air QualityGoodVaries
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85F/40F85F/62F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34F/15F41F/26F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)20"45"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60"33"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Idaho to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 26% fewer sunshine days than Idaho.
  • West Virginia has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Idaho.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Idaho, 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 Idaho.
  • The average winter lows in West Virginia are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Idaho.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 25 more inches of rain compared to Idaho.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Idaho and West Virginia

ComparisonIdahoWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$72,785$54,329
Cost of Living Index91.595
State Income Tax1%-6.5%3%-6.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.69%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Technology, ManufacturingCoal, Healthcare, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 25% less than in Idaho
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Idaho
  • The state income tax in WV is 3%-6.5% compared to 1%-6.5% in ID
  • The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Idaho
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Idaho
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Idaho and high in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Idaho vs. West Virginia

ComparisonIdahoWest Virginia
Political Make-upConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsRepublican DominanceRepublican Dominance
ReligionLDS InfluenceChristian Evangelical
  • Idaho tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • West Virginia's religious environment can be described as Christian Evangelical
  • Idaho's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as LDS Influence

Education Guide When Moving from Idaho to West Virginia

ComparisonIdahoWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLongfellow Elementary School (Boise)
Adams Elementary School (Boise)
Roosevelt Elementary School (Boise)
Winfield Elementary School (Winfield)
Simpson Elementary School (Bridgeport)
Suncrest Primary School (Morgantown)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorth Junior High School (Boise)
East Junior High School (Boise)
Lakeside Middle School (Plummer)
Bridgeport Middle School (Bridgeport)
Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown)
Mountaineer Middle School (Clarksburg)
Top 3 High School SchoolsBoise High School (Boise)
Timberline High School (Boise)
Renaissance High School (Meridian)
George Washington High School (Charleston)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
Bridgeport High School (Bridgeport)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Ambrose School (Meridian)
Bishop Kelly High School (Boise)
Riverstone International School (Boise)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Wheeling Central Catholic High School (Wheeling)
Parkersburg Catholic High School (Parkersburg)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRiverstone International School (Boise)
The Ambrose School (Meridian)
Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d’Alene)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)
Trinity Christian School (Morgantown)
Wheeling Country Day School (Wheeling)
Top 3 School DistrictsBoise School District
Blaine County School District
Coeur d’Alene School District
Monongalia County Schools
Kanawha County Schools
Ohio County Schools

How Much Do Idaho to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 2,214 miles from Idaho to West Virginia will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,458300 ft3$8.19
1 Bedroom$3,664450 ft3$8.14
2 Bedrooms$6,069750 ft3$8.09
3 Bedrooms$8,8461100 ft3$8.04
4 Bedrooms$12,7881600 ft3$7.99
5+ Bedrooms$14,2961800 ft3$7.94

Top Idaho to West Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Idaho to West Virginia

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Idaho to West Virginia Routes

Boise to West Virginia