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Indiana to West Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 16, 2025

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Planning a 407 mile interstate move from Indiana to West Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs West Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like flat landscapes vs scenic mountains), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Pepperoni Roll), real estate & housing (midwestern ranch, craftsman vs appalachian log homes, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Indiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Beef Manhattan, but get your taste buds ready for Pepperoni Roll & Venison
  • West Virginia housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in West Virginia is 25.96% more affordable than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to West Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Indiana to West Virginia movers is Country Roads Moving LLC

Indiana to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to West Virginia

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Flat landscapes
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • High cost of living
ProsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Scenic mountains
  • Mild winters
  • Less congestion
  • Hiking opportunities
  • More affordable

West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Fewer big cities
  • Limited industries
  • Fewer professional teams
  • Lower wages
  • Fewer universities
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Urban amenities
  • Diverse job market
  • Sports culture
  • Higher salaries
  • Access to education

Pros of moving from Indiana to West Virginia

  • Say goodbye to flat landscapes and hello to scenic mountains
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to West Virginia with mild winters
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Indiana for less congestion in West Virginia
  • Get ready for hiking opportunities in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Indiana to West Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from urban amenities in Indiana to live with fewer big cities in West Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of limited industries
  • Time to bid farewell to sports culture and get used to fewer professional teams in West Virginia
  • Swap higher salaries for lower wages

Indiana vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaWest Virginia
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichPepperoni Roll
Most popular meat dishBeef ManhattanVenison
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosHot Dogs with Chili Sauce
Most popular vegan foodRoasted CornMorel Mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • The Literary Peacock
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 Indiana to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Beef Manhattan and sumptuous Indian Tacos, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Venison and Hot Dogs with Chili Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Roasted Corn 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 Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Literary Peacock. 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, Sulphur Springs Inn, and Hillbilly Hot Dogs.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and West Virginia

ComparisonIndianaWest Virginia
Typical Architecture StyleMidwestern Ranch, CraftsmanAppalachian Log homes, Cape Cod
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 listingHardwood floors, large yardsMountain views, privacy
  • The Midwestern Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Appalachian Log homes and Cape Cod architecture typical of West Virginia.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and large yards, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and privacy.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Indiana.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • West Virginia housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in West Virginia is 25.96% more affordable than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaWest 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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsFloods, Landslides
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6480/60
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/2041/26
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4245
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2233
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Indiana to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 12% fewer sunshine days than Indiana.
  • West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 5 degrees colder than in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and West Virginia

ComparisonIndianaWest Virginia
Avg. Household Income$66,785$54,329
Cost of Living Index92.9595
State Income Tax3.23%3.00%
Avg. Property Tax0.87%0.53%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureEnergy, Healthcare, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 19% less than those in Indiana
  • The COLI in West Virginia will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in WV is 3.00% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in West Virginia is modest compared to moderate affluence in Indiana
  • The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate poverty in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and moderate in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. West Virginia

ComparisonIndianaWest Virginia
Political Make-upSwing State, trends Republican in recent electionsStrongly Republican
Local PoliticsDiverse; urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas RepublicanMostly Republican, with some Democratic influence in union-heavy areas
ReligionDiverse; Protestant, Catholic, others<a href="https://www.wvbc.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Predominantly Protestant</a>
  • Indiana tends to lean swing state and trends Republican 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 <a href="https://www.wvbc.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">predominantly Protestant</a>
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, including Protestant, Catholic, and others

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to West Virginia

ComparisonIndianaWest Virginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
Ball State University
West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSignature School
Evansville; University High School of Indiana
Carmel; Herron High School
Indianapolis
George Washington Elementary
Charleston; Suncrest Primary School
Morgantown; Steenrod Elementary School
Wheeling
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWest Lafayette Jr/Sr High School; Brown County Junior High
Nashville; Fall Creek Junior High
Fishers
Mountaineer Middle School
Morgantown; Suncrest Middle School
Morgantown; Bridge Street Middle
Wheeling
Top 3 High SchoolsSignature School
Evansville; Zionsville Community High School; Carmel High School
Carmel
George Washington High School
Charleston; Morgantown High School
Morgantown; Bridgeport High School
Bridgeport
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity High School of Indiana
Carmel; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis; Culver Academies
Culver
Charleston Catholic High School
Charleston; Notre Dame High School
Clarksburg; Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Wheeling
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTraders Point Christian Academy
Whitestown; Heritage Christian School
Indianapolis; The Orchard School
Indianapolis
The Linsly School
Wheeling; St. Joseph Preparatory School
Huntington; Bishop Donahue Memorial High School
McMechen
Top 3 School DistrictsWest Lafayette Community School Corporation; Carmel Clay Schools; Zionsville Community SchoolsMonongalia County Schools; Ohio County Schools; Jefferson County Schools

How Much Do Indiana to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 407 miles from Indiana 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Country Roads Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,433300 ft3$4.78
1 Bedroom$2,127450 ft3$4.73
2 Bedrooms$3,508750 ft3$4.68
3 Bedrooms$5,0901100 ft3$4.63
4 Bedrooms$7,3241600 ft3$4.58
5+ Bedrooms$8,1491800 ft3$4.53

Top Indiana to West Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

Best moving company overall for Indiana to West Virginia

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details

Indianapolis to West Virginia

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