Kansas to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas to West Virginia

ConsKansas

• Extreme summer heat
• Flat terrain
• Limited outdoor activities
• Tornado risks

ProsWest Virginia

• Milder summer temperatures
• Scenic mountain views
• Abundant outdoor adventures
• Less tornado prone

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West Virginia

• Higher taxes
• Limited job market
• More remote
• Rugged terrain

Kansas

• Lower cost of living
• Less crowded
• Central location
• Plentiful farmland

Pros of moving from Kansas to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to extreme summer heat and hello to milder summer temperatures
• Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to West Virginia with scenic mountain views
• Swap the limited outdoor activities of Kansas for abundant outdoor adventures in West Virginia
• Get ready for fewer tornadoes in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Kansas to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Kansas to live with higher taxes in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of less crowding and have to settle with the con of a limited job market
• Time to bid farewell to a central location and get used to being more remote in West Virginia
• Swap plentiful farmland for rugged terrain

Kansas vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kansas to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Brisket of Kansas for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Kansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Ribs and sumptuous Kansas City-style BBQ, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Venison and Hot Dogs with Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Tacos of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kansas eateries like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, and Lidia’s Kansas City. 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 Rambling Root, Pies & Pints, and Dem 2 Brothers and A Grill.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kansas and West Virginia

• The Ranch and Bungalow architecture that Kansas is known for will be replaced with the Cottage and Ranch architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Kansas's real estate listings that commonly reference open spaces 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 Kansas.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Kansas.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Kansas.
• West Virginia housing costs are 28% less expensive than they are in Kansas, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Kansas’s $223,883.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased by 37% compared to a 49% increase in Kansas.
• Rent in West Virginia is 8.94% more affordable than in Kansas.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kansas to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Kansas.
• West Virginia has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kansas.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Kansas, but be on the lookout for potential floods and winter storms in West Virginia.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 6 degrees colder than Kansas.
• The average winter lows in West Virginia are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Kansas.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Kansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kansas and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 21% less than those in Kansas
• The COLI in West Virginia will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Kansas
• The state income tax in WV is 6.5 compared to 5.7 in KS
• The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Kansas
• The poverty level is high in West Virginia compared to moderate in Kansas
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kansas and low in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Kansas vs. West Virginia

• Kansas tends to lean generally conservative in its political climate, reliably Republican in federal races. The legislature is heavily Republican, though statewide offices can be competitive and the state has elected Democratic governors. Urban and suburban areas, such as the Kansas City metro and Lawrence, lean more moderate to liberal than rural regions.
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as having strong Republican dominance at both state and federal levels, with GOP supermajorities common. The state has shifted from historic Democratic roots to solidly conservative voting patterns across most counties.
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, with a large Evangelical Protestant share and smaller Mainline Protestant and Catholic communities. Religious diversity is lower than the national average, and regular church attendance is common in many communities.
• Kansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, with sizable Evangelical and Mainline Protestant communities and a notable Catholic presence, especially in the Kansas City and Wichita areas. Religious diversity is moderate, with small but growing non-Christian and unaffiliated populations.

Education Guide When Moving from Kansas to West Virginia

How Much Do Kansas to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,073 miles from Kansas to West Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.